The Roofing Industry and the Fight Against Heat Stress

By Henry Verdine, Contributor

As workplaces face the challenges of rising temperatures and heat exposure, it’s essential to understand the significant impact these conditions have on workers’ health and safety.

Extremely hot summers used to be a rare occurrence. Now, these intense heat waves are more commonplace throughout the world. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) found that the summer of 2023 was Earth’s hottest since global records began in 1880.

The temperature increase means there must be an increase in work safety too. This mindset applies especially to workers who are continually working outside.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), under the scope of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), identified workers most at risk of heat stress: outdoor workers and workers in hot indoor environments, such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, roofers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others.

As workplaces face the challenges of rising temperatures and increased heat exposure, it’s essential to understand the significant impact these conditions have on workers’ health and safety.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) shared these numbers with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

33,890 work-related heat injuries and illnesses (2011-2020)
3,389 per-year average (2011-2020)
999 work-related deaths from heat exposure (1992-2021)
33 fatalities per year average (1992-2021)

While some workers can work in the shade, roofers do not have that option. Roofers are exposed to more intense heat and are at risk of higher levels of heat stress.

Roofing is one of the numerous professions protected by OSHA’s General Duty Clause.[1] Section 5 of this clause states that employers must make sure their workers have a safe place to work, without any known dangers that could seriously hurt or kill them. This includes heat-related hazards that can cause death or serious bodily harm.

Who are Roofers?

A variety of people make up the roofing industry. In 2021, Zippia shared the following key demographics about roofers:[2]

134,365 roofers in the United States
4% are men
6% are women

Understanding who roofers are helps to appreciate the unique challenges they face and highlights the importance of their role in maintaining the safety and integrity of buildings.

The Importance of Roofers

Roofers are an important cog in the construction industry. Their skillful work provides long-lasting shelter, increased revenue, and countless jobs.

Vital Role in Construction and Safety

Roofers play a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity and weatherproofing of buildings. A well-constructed roof protects against rain, snow, and other weather for countless years.

Economic Impact

Roofing companies currently provide 250,000 jobs and are forecasted to generate $51.3 billion in 2024, according to a report by IBISWorld.[3]

If roofer safety isn’t a priority, then the industry could be negatively impacted and potentially result in worker shortages. This would ultimately decrease the number of roofs built and revenue generated.

Challenges Roofers Face

Extreme Conditions

Roofers work high up and are in direct sunlight for long periods, putting them at risk for heat stress. The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) discovered that roofers are seven times more likely to die from heat-related illness.[4]

Unlike other outdoor workers who can sometimes find shade, roofers are always exposed to the sun. Roofing materials like asphalt shingles can get as hot as 150°F which increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Hard Physical Work and Safety Risks

Roofing is one of the toughest jobs in construction due to the amount of heavy lifting, bending, and kneeling, which often leads to injuries.

In 2022, the BLS reported:[5]

100 of the 124 roofer fatalities were from slips, trips, and falls
5 per 100,000
Second-most deadly civilian occupation[6]

Seasonal Work

Roofing work is busiest during the hot months, a time when workers often work longer hours to meet demand. The hot months are when the risk of heat stress is at its peak.

Heat-Related Illnesses and First Aid for Roofers

There are a variety of heat-related illnesses that can impact workers. Some symptoms are nonspecific and could mean overheating.

OSHA shares a list of heat-related illnesses as well as their corresponding symptoms and signs.[7]

Heat-Related Illness	Symptoms and Signs
Heat stroke	· Confusion · Slurred speech · Unconsciousness · Seizures · Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin · Very high body temperature · Rapid heart rate
Heat exhaustion	· Fatigue · Irritability · Thirst · Nausea or vomiting · Dizziness or lightheadedness · Heavy sweating · Elevated body temperature or fast heart rate
Heat cramps	· Muscle spasms or pain · Usually in legs, arms, or trunk
Heat syncope	· Fainting · Dizziness
Heat rash	· Clusters of red bumps on skin · Often appears on neck, upper chest, and skin folds
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)	· Muscle pain · Dark urine or reduced urine output · Weakness

Employers and workers should know the signs of heat-related symptoms. If someone is showing any symptoms, first aid needs to be given right away. Do not try to identify the illness, as symptoms of different heat-related illnesses can happen at the same time. It’s important to act fast because these conditions can worsen quickly and even lead to death.

OSHA strongly recommends following this rule: “When in doubt, cool the worker and call 911.”

On top of calling 911, OSHA lists the following principles to use when administering first aid to someone experiencing a heat-related illness:

Take the effected worker to a cooler area (e.g., shade or air conditioning)
Cool the worker immediately. Use active cooling techniques such as:
- Immerse the worker in cold water or an ice bath. Create an ice bath by placing all the available ice into a large container with water. This is the best method to cool workers rapidly in an emergency.
- Remove outer layers of clothing, especially heavy protective clothing.
- Place ice or cold wet towels on the head, neck, trunk, armpits, and groin.
- Use fans to circulate air around the worker.
Never leave a worker with heat-related illness alone as symptoms can worsen. Remain with the worker.

Following these practices gives roofers the best chance of reducing the effects of a heat-related illness. There are also other preventative measures companies can use to ensure roofers do not suffer from heat stress.

What Can Organizations do to Reduce Heat Stress?

• Research shows that roofers are seven times more likely to die from heat-related illness than other industry sectors.

As mentioned earlier, OSHA requires that organizations ensure their employees are given a safe place to work that is free of dangers. This means roofers should never work in hot conditions without the right safety measures in place.

Implementing safeguards to reduce heat-stress incidents for roofers offers countless benefits for organizations, including:

Better worker safety and health: The main benefit is that it keeps roofers safe and healthy. Providing enough water, breaks, and protective clothing helps prevent heat-related problems like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Increased productivity: Healthy workers are more productive. When heat stress is reduced, workers do not get as tired and can perform their duties more efficiently.
Less absences and turnover: Heat-stress prevention measures mean fewer workers will call in sick or quit because of heat-related health issues. This helps keep a steady and reliable workforce.
Improved morale and job satisfaction: Workers appreciate it when their employers care about their health and safety. This makes them happier and more motivated, creating a positive work environment.
Compliance with regulations: Following heat-stress prevention rules ensures the company is meeting safety standards, like those set by OSHA. This helps avoid legal problems and fines.
Lower medical and compensation costs: Fewer heat-stress incidents mean less need for medical treatment and fewer workers’ compensation claims, saving the company money on healthcare and insurance.
Operational efficiency: Heat stress can slow down work and cause mistakes. Preventing heat-stress incidents helps keep work running smoothly and on schedule.

Understanding and implementing protections for roofers will make a significant difference in reducing heat-stress incidents. Organizations need to consider a few factors to reap the benefits of protected roofers.

Understand Weather Conditions

Consider the weather conditions to determine if it’s safe to work in them. If the temperature outside is the same as or higher than somebody’s body temperature, it will be harder for their body to stay cool.

NIOSH provides parameters for how long someone should work and rest based on the environment’s temperature.[8] The organization recommends that heavy work be rescheduled if temperatures exceed 106°.

This NIOSH rule applies to workers working in the shade and dealing with normal humidity conditions. However, roofers usually work in the sun with very little cover. NIOSH advises adding 7 degrees for partly shaded conditions and 13 degrees for full sun. So, the same roofer with a heavy workload in full sun should consider rescheduling work when it reaches 93° outside.

Build Surface Awareness

The sun is not the only heat source roofers will face as they toil throughout the day. Different roofing materials can affect how much heat is absorbed and radiated, impacting workers’ exposure to high temperatures. For example:

Dark surfaces: Materials like asphalt or dark shingles can get extremely hot under the sun, raising the risk of heat stress.
Metal surfaces: Metal roofs reflect heat but can still be very hot to touch and work on.
Reflective surfaces: Light-colored or reflective surfaces can help reduce heat absorption but might reflect sunlight into workers’ eyes, creating other hazards.

Organizations can better plan work schedules, provide appropriate protective measures, and ensure roofers are aware of the risks by knowing the characteristics of these surfaces. Providing shaded areas and using heat-resistant materials can help minimize heat exposure.

Think of the Staff

Roofing companies employ people with a variety of different traits and features. One roofer’s ability to work in the heat will be different than another’s. Factors to consider include:

Age and health: Younger workers and those in good health may handle heat better than older workers or those with health issues.
Acclimatization: Workers who are new to the job or returning from a break might need time to get used to the heat. Gradually increasing their workload can help them acclimate safely.
Hydration and nutrition: Ensuring that workers stay hydrated and eat properly can significantly reduce the risk of heat stress. Providing water stations and regular breaks for hydration is essential.

Regularly checking in with your staff and paying attention to any signs of heat-related issues can help catch problems early. Training supervisors to recognize the symptoms of heat stress and act quickly is also key.

Ensure Workers Wear Proper Clothing

Wearing the right clothing can make a big difference in preventing heat stress. Here are some guidelines:

Lightweight and breathable fabrics: Clothes made from materials like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics can help keep workers cool by allowing sweat to evaporate more easily.
Light-colored clothing: Light colors reflect sunlight, reducing heat absorption and helping workers stay cooler.
Protective gear: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen protect against direct sun exposure. Cooling vests or bandanas soaked in water can provide additional relief.

Proper clothing not only helps keep workers comfortable but also significantly reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses. Ensuring that all workers understand the importance of appropriate attire and providing them with the necessary gear is an essential part of any heat stress prevention program.

The Continuous Fight Against the Sun

Roofers working under the sun cannot be avoided, but there are measures companies can implement to ensure they are safe while working under these heated conditions.

Roofing teams need to recognize that workers may show signs of heat stress even with these safeguards in place. That’s why they need to be up to date with the latest first aid training.

As organizations create safe working conditions during warm seasons, they will create a working environment that keeps their roofers productive and protected.