Safety Tips by Cotney

Best practices for operating machinery on the job site

February 12, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

By Cotney Consulting Group. By implementing comprehensive training, emphasizing pre-operation safety checks, maintaining proper work attire and promoting an environment of focus and vigilance, contractors can significantly reduce the risk of machine-related injuries. Safety is paramount in the roofing industry, where heavy machinery and power tools are integral to daily operations. Improper ...

Why hard hats matter on the roof

February 11, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

By Cotney Consulting Group. Hard hats are more than safety requirements, they are a commitment to safety and professionalism. In the roofing industry, safety is paramount and protecting your head should be at the top of the list. Your head is home to your most vital functions: thinking, feeling, seeing, smelling and ...

Winter roofing safety strategies to combat cold stress

February 10, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

By Cotney Consulting Group. Cold stress poses a serious risk to roofing workers during the colder months. However, by recognizing the signs, dressing appropriately and implementing safe work practices, you can minimize these risks. Cold weather poses significant risks to roofing workers, potentially leading to various injuries or health effects collectively known ...

Guide to burn treatment for roofing crews

December 19, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

By Cotney Consulting Group. Burns are a severe risk to the roofing industry, and understanding how to provide first aid for different types of burns is critical. Burns are a common hazard in the roofing industry, arising from exposure to hot surfaces, chemicals, electricity and other sources. The severity of burns can ...

How roofing contractors can foster a safer work environment

November 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.

By Cotney Consulting Group. A successful safety program requires more than employee buy-in; it needs strong leadership. The construction industry poses unique health and safety challenges for workers, particularly roofing. According to OSHA, about one in five workplace deaths were construction-related. However, effective health and safety processes can minimize these risks and ...

Reducing liability with smart safety practices

November 21, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

By Cotney Consulting Group. As the close of 2024 roofing season approaches, now is the time to review and reinforce your safety protocols to ensure a secure work environment for your crew. Roofing is one of the most hazardous professions, with workers regularly facing risks like falls, burns from hot tar, electrocution ...

How to minimize repetitive motion risks

November 8, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

By Cotney Consulting Group. The impact of repetitive motion injuries on roofers and how to combat them. Repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) are a growing concern in the roofing industry. Whether using computers for administrative tasks, operating machinery or engaging in physically demanding labor, roofers risk developing RMIs due to repetitive movements, awkward ...

Aligning with global standards

October 12, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

By Cotney Consulting Group. What roofers need to know about OSHA’s updated HazCom rules. On May 20, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiled significant revisions to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), aligning it more closely with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), ...

Enhancing safety with tailgate meetings

September 18, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

By Cotney Consulting Group. Invest in the safety of your workforce today by integrating regular tailgate meetings into your routine. Workplace injuries are the worst-case scenario on any job site, negatively impacting employee morale, productivity and profitability. In the roofing industry, where the risk of accidents is high, proactive safety education is ...

Enhancing the safety and efficiency of your roofing company's fleet

September 13, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

By Cotney Consulting Group. Investing in a comprehensive fleet management program is not just about compliance; it's about creating a sustainable and safe working environment that benefits your business in the long run. A roofing contractor's commercial auto fleet is essential to the success of their business. Minimizing vehicle downtime, lengthening asset ...