Whether we’re down on the ground, or up on a roof, we take safety seriously here at K & P Exteriors. Learn more about the importance of the OSHA 30 Certification, and why you should always hire safety-certified contractors for your commercial construction needs.
The History of Safety in Construction
Chances are you’re familiar with the photo of ironworkers sitting on a steel beam (above) during the construction of the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan in 1932. Eleven men are sitting and eating lunch, their feet dangling 840’ above the ground—with no safety gear to be seen.
Things have changed quite a bit since that photo was taken. Worker’s rights movements helped to improve the working conditions for laborers, especially within the construction industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 led to the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, better known as OSHA. And new advancements in equipment and technology have made it easier than ever to stay safe on the job.
Common Safety Hazards in Commercial Roofing
Construction sites pose many safety hazards, which is why it’s important to have properly trained and certified staff, including site supervisors. Common safety hazards in the roofing industry include:
- Falls
- Electrical hazards, including working around power lines
- Exposure to hazardous materials, especially when re-roofing old buildings
- The use of power tools in an awkward setting, such as the nooks and crannies of a roof
- Working in high temperatures
Additional factors can also play a role, such as the stability of the roof, weather conditions, quality of equipment, and proper training. On large-scale projects such as commercial sites, these hazards are even more prevalent with multiple workers—often from different companies—working at once.
The Importance of OSHA 30 Certification
The OSHA 30-hour Construction Industry Outreach Training Course, also known as OSHA 30 Certification, offers comprehensive safety instruction for anyone in the construction industry. The course covers topics such as working in confined spaces, the use of cranes/hoists/elevators, ergonomics, scaffolds, exposure to hazardous materials, and fire protection.
The OSHA 30 Certification course is designed for workers with safety responsibilities, including those in a supervisory role such as foremen, safety directors, and project managers. Having OSHA 30 Certified workers on-site can help make sure all safety procedures are being followed, keeping everyone safe on the job and insurance costs down. This is especially important on commercial sites, where delays can impact other teams or projects.
At K & P Exteriors, all of our experienced installers and supervisors are certified and insured. Visit our website to see a complete list of our services, or call (303) 853-0072 for more information.