Prioritizing safety in roofing

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Explore the roofing industry's commitment to safety and the vital role of leadership and culture in ensuring workplace well-being and regulatory compliance. 

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards from RoofersCoffeeShop explores the critical topic of jobsite safety with Eric Vittardi, a representative of Foundation Software, the provider of the construction safety app SafetyHQ®. They discuss essential practices and perspectives vital to ensuring workplace well-being and regulatory adherence. 

Eric explains the importance of ingraining safety as a habit in a company’s make up. "It's about integrating safety into the company culture, not just having a plan that collects dust."  

He shares the difference between having a safety plan and fostering a safety culture and points out, "A binder with safety measures is useless if it's not part of your business culture." The information may be there but if the employees choose to not read the information or adhere to the guidelines, there’s no benefit. 

A true safety culture protects employees and ensures compliance with regulations, ultimately benefiting the company's bottom line according to Eric. 

Addressing common pushbacks from workers regarding roofing safety gear, Eric describes leadership's role in ensuring compliance and buy in. "If safety isn't important to those at the top, it won't be to those on the roof either," he asserts.  

Creating a culture where safety is a shared priority starts with management and trickles down to every employee. 

The discussion also touches on the broader aspects of safety, including mental health and heat stress, especially relevant during the summer months.  

Eric notes that OSHA's emphasis on heat safety has broadened companies' horizons, making them more aware of various safety concerns in the roofing industry. "It's not just about fall protection anymore; it's about the overall well-being of employees," he says. 

Eric shares insights on how the SafetyHQ app aids in creating this safety culture. "We simplify the process, eliminating paper headaches and inefficiencies," he explains. The software helps track and manage safety data, making it accessible on mobile devices, ensuring that safety protocols are followed on-site. 

Incorporating real-time data and photos, SafetyHQ's platform allows for pre-site assessments and ongoing safety checks. "It's about preventing injuries and making informed decisions based on trends and analysis," Eric states.  

This proactive approach helps companies stay ahead of potential roofing hazards, ensuring a safer work environment. 

According to Eric, a robust safety culture attracts and retains employees, increases productivity and reduces incidents. He shares, "It's about making safety a priority from the top down and ensuring everyone is engaged and invested." 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about SafetyHQ® and their commitment to safety in the roofing industry!