Presentation on roof fall hazards and worker safety will bring Midwestern building owners up to speed on upgrades needed to comply with revised OSHA regulations
Many building owners are unaware that new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards require them to ensure fall protection for all employees who go up on their roofs.
Mark Siwik, building envelope director at Legat Architects, will share tips for achieving OSHA roof safety requirements for fall protection and falling object protection at the Midwest Association of Physical Plant Administrators’ (MAPPA) 2019 Annual Conference. The event assembles administrators and facilities directors from higher education institutions, K-12 schools, healthcare providers, and museums from seven Midwestern states. It takes place October 16 – 19, 2019 at The Radisson Blu Mall of America, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Siwik presents on Friday, October 18 from 3:45 to 4:30 in the Lakes Ballroom C.
Changes Mean Safer Roofs, Avoiding Fines
According to Siwik, OSHA safety regulations for roofing initially only applied to contractors. In 2017, the organization introduced new standards requiring employers to provide fall protection for maintenance crews or any other employees who go on the roof.
“We’re finding that many building owners haven’t done anything in response to updated OSHA roofing regulations . . . or they’re not even aware of them,” said Siwik. “It’s critical for owners to create a plan to respond to these changes whether they occupy a single building or an entire campus—not only will this keep employees safe, but it will also avoid potential fines.”
At the MAPPA conference, Siwik will give an overview of the three roof danger zones designated by OSHA. He will also share OSHA-recommended fall arrest and restraint systems, as well as how to avoid an unsightly appearance once the changes are made.
Siwik will back up his points with a case study that shows how one of Illinois’ largest community colleges is responding to OSHA roofing requirements. The multi-building, multi-phase project includes everything from guardrails and ladders to warning lines and places to tie off.
Contact us to discuss your roofing needs or comment below to share your thoughts on this post. Read Mark Siwik’s article on OSHA roof safety requirements.
