As we experience the cold, ice, snow and winds of the winter months there are some very serious snow and ice removal precautions that everyone should be aware of - especially if snow and ice removal involves roofs and other elevated structures.
Every year, a number of people are killed or seriously injured while performing snow or ice removal from rooftops and other building structures. According to OSHA, snow removal is performed for a number of reasons, such as preventing overloading and roof collapses. Often, people climb directly onto the roofs or elevated structures and use equipment such as shovels, snow rakes, snow blowers, ladders, etc. to remove excess snow/ice accumulation without regard to knowing if the roof structure is safe to be on. Before stepping onto a roof or other elevated surface, some things to consider are:
- What are the maximum load limits of the roof?
- Is there an unbalanced roof load?
- How does the maximum roof load limit compare with estimated total weight of the amount of snow, removal equipment, and personnel performing the removal?
- Are there hidden hazards i.e., skylights, roof drains, or vents that someone could fall through if hidden by snow?
Snow removal operations are often performed under extreme weather conditions (e.g., cold, high winds, and icy surfaces). Based on the findings of OSHA investigations, falls are the main cause for most work related fatalities and injuries during rooftop snow removal. Workers also fall off roof edges, through skylights, and from ladders and aerial lifts, and may also be injured or killed by a roof collapse.
OSHA recommends: Have a plan ahead of inclement weather for snow removal. This plan should consider things such as:
- Can snow be removed without workers going onto the roof?
- How should the snow be removed, based on the building's layout, to prevent unbalanced loading?
- What tools, equipment, protective devices, clothing and footwear will workers need?
- What type of fall protection will be used to protect workers on roofs and other elevated surfaces?
- What training will workers need to work safely?
- How will mechanized snow removal equipment be safely elevated to the roof?
- How will you protect people on the ground from snow and ice falling off the roof during snow removal operations?
Employers are required to protect workers from the anticipated hazards associated with the winter storm response and recovery operations that personnel are likely to conduct. A solid plan for safe snow removal should be completed and all personnel should have knowledge of the plan and be trained in the actual operations.
National Weather Service Statistics
Winter storms create a variety of hazards and can have lingering impacts on everyday tasks and work activities. According to the National Weather Service, about 70 percent of injuries during winter storms result from vehicle accidents, and about 25 percent of injuries result from being caught out in the storm. Learning about how to prepare for a winter storm and avoid hazards when one occurs will help keep you safe during the winter season!
Notated: "Safety & Health Topics/Hazard Alert" "Winter Storms"
Freedom of Information Act - U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
|