Each year, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) leads the industry in celebrating National Roofing Week, spotlighting the essential role roofing professionals play in building and maintaining homes, businesses, and communities. For 2025, this week is observed June 2–8, and it’s more than just a celebration—it’s a vital reminder of the importance of roofing safety, training, and risk prevention.
At STC Safety & Risk Management, we’re proud to support the roofing industry—both residential and commercial—with expert guidance, hands-on training, and robust safety programs. Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades, with workers exposed to significant fall hazards, heat stress, electrical contact, and material handling injuries. That’s why we partner with roofing companies to build safety cultures that protect workers and reduce incidents across job sites.
Why Safety in Roofing Matters
According to OSHA, falls remain the leading cause of death in construction—and roofing is a top contributor. Whether a technician is installing shingles on a two-story home or managing a large-scale commercial reroofing project, the risks are real and preventable.
In addition to physical danger, roofing safety is a compliance priority. Failing to follow OSHA’s standards can lead to steep fines, delays, and even legal action. But more importantly, it can result in irreversible loss for families and teams.
The Role of STC in Roofing Safety
STC works with roofing contractors, general contractors, and subcontractors across the U.S. to provide:
- Jobsite safety audits and inspections
- OSHA 10 and 30-hour construction training
- Custom fall protection plans
- Toolbox talk programs and LMS safety training
- Site-specific hazard assessments
We align every service with your business goals—ensuring crews are trained, leaders are empowered, and your projects are protected.
OSHA-Recommended Safety Best Practices for Roofing
To help you get the most out of National Roofing Week, here are practical safety tips based on OSHA guidelines that you can implement immediately across residential and commercial projects:
1. Use Fall Protection—Always
- Ensure Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) are used for anyone working 6 feet or more above a lower level.
- Inspect harnesses, lifelines, and anchors before every use.
- Use guardrails and safety nets where appropriate on commercial sites.
STC Tip: Train every new worker on PFAS usage during onboarding and regularly with refreshers.
2. Install Proper Ladder Safety Protocols
- Place ladders on stable, level surfaces.
- Maintain a 3-point contact at all times.
- Never load ladders beyond their weight rating or use damaged ladders.
STC Tip: Conduct ladder safety audits during morning huddles or as part of your daily inspections.
3. Weather Awareness and Heat Stress Prevention
- Monitor forecasts and halt work in severe weather.
- Provide cooling stations, electrolyte drinks, and rest breaks during peak heat.
- Recognize early symptoms of heat illness: dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea.
STC Tip: Incorporate heat stress awareness into your LMS or weekly toolbox talks in the summer.
4. Material Handling and Ergonomics
- Use mechanical aids for transporting heavy roofing materials when possible.
- Train workers on safe lifting techniques and pair heavy loads with team lifts.
- Keep workspaces organized to reduce slips and trips from loose tools and debris.
Safety in Residential vs. Commercial Roofing
While both segments require strict safety measures, the hazards can differ:
Residential Roofing:
- Typically involves sloped surfaces, increasing fall risks.
- Often worked on by smaller teams or solo contractors, increasing isolation risks.
- Requires special attention to ladder use and edge awareness.
Commercial Roofing:
- Often performed on flat roofs but at greater heights.
- Involves larger crews, heavy machinery, and complex materials (e.g., TPO, EPDM, built-up systems).
- Demands organized site management, perimeter protection, and hazard communication.
STC supports both residential and commercial roofing contractors with tailored safety programs that reflect the scale, risk profile, and workforce dynamics of your job sites.
Make National Roofing Week Count
This week is a powerful time to reinforce your safety values and engage your team:
- Host a “Safety Stand-Down” to review fall protection procedures.
- Recognize your safety leaders—from foremen to laborers—who exemplify good practices.
- Audit and refresh your safety signage and training materials.
Final Thoughts: From Roofline to Bottom Line
Roofing professionals are essential to every community’s wellbeing—and their safety must come first. National Roofing Week is the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and reinforce the practices that keep crews safe and projects on track.
At STC Safety & Risk Management, we’re proud to support the roofing industry with actionable, expert-backed strategies that go beyond compliance.
Need a fall protection plan or jobsite audit? Contact us to schedule your consultation and protect what matters most—your people.
