Roofing Accidents in Massachusetts
Fall accidents, injuries from the use of roofing tools, and even injuries from asphalt exposure are just some of the ways in which a worker can be injured in a roofing accident or as a result of such employment. Of these, falls are the most common type of roofing accident.
Fall accidents can often occur at a construction site, and roofers are at a much higher risk of falls from significant elevations or falls from ladders. Besides fall accidents, roofing workers may also be at risk of injuries from asphalt exposure.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than 500,000 workers every year suffer injuries after they are exposed to fumes from asphalt used in roofing. Asphalt is a petroleum-based product that is used extensively not only for roofing, but also in concrete work. Persons who have suffered from excessive exposure to asphalt can suffer from a number of symptoms that include fatigue, headaches, skin rashes, throat irritation, and redness of the eyes. Over time these people may have a much higher risk of skin cancer and chronic cough.
Roofing workers also work with a number of tools that include pneumatic nail guns, drillers, and other cutting tools. These tools may pose an eye injury and finger and hand amputation hazard.
Types of Roofing Injuries
Roofing accidents can result in a number of injuries. These include:
- Fractures
- Broken ribs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Chemical burns
- Asphalt-related burns
- Lacerations from the use of hand tools
Prevention of Roofing Accidents
Many roofing-related falls occur every year when workers are going up or walking down a ladder. Proper training in the correct procedures of climbing up and down a ladder can help reduce the risk of these falls. For instance, workers must be trained not to carry tools and materials as they climb a ladder and to keep both of their hands on the ladder.
Workers may fall through skylight openings and other openings in a roof. These openings must be clearly marked and designated with warnings that caution workers about their presence.
Employers must also comply with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards and, under many circumstances, such standards may require the use of fall protection devices to protect workers.
It is important that workers be trained in the proper use of tools and also be provided proper eye protection gear to avoid the risk of eye injuries.
Gloves must be used while working with sheet metal. Asphalt exposure-related hazards can be minimized by the use of personal protective equipment and respiratory protection gear.
Peter Ventura is a Massachusetts work injury lawyer dedicated to the representation of roofing workers who have suffered injuries as a result of roofing accidents across Massachusetts.
If you need an attorney’s advice about your rights and legal options in the aftermath of a roofing accident, contact Peter Ventura, Attorney at Law for a free consultation. Attorney Ventura combines prompt investigation and evaluation of your case with careful attention to determine who is at fault for your accident and how you can best recover damages for your injuries.
