Roofers in Ohio face hazards every day on the job. When a roofer is injured at work and must take time off to recover, he or she may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation to pay medical bills and lost wages.
As with all workers’ comp cases, it doesn't matter if the employee's injury was because of his error or that of a co-worker or supervisor. As a no-fault program, workers’ comp should cover his costs.
Roofing Dangers
As a roofer, you may love the challenge of working with your hands, the satisfaction of completing a job, and the opportunity to work in the fresh air. However, along with these benefits comes the potential for accidents and serious injury.
As you frame a roof or lay shingles, you risk:
- Falls. These are the leading cause of death on construction sites. Roofers are frequently in danger when fall protection systems aren't in place—they could slip off the roof, fall through an opening, or slip off a ladder or scaffolding.
- Nail gun injuries. Roofers use nail guns and work quickly to lay shingles, often side-by-side with another professional. In these conditions, it's easy to have an accident with a nail gun and either shoot yourself or a co-worker.
- Electrical shock. Coming in contact with overhead power lines can cause shock or even electrocution. Approximately 11 percent of roofing fatalities each year are caused by electrocution.
- Burns. Working with hot tar on commercial buildings can lead to severe burns. There's a constant risk of being splashed, tripping and spilling hot asphalt, or igniting the substance.
- Exposure. During the summer, heatstroke, sun poisoning, and other heat-related injuries are valid concerns. Roofing in an Ohio winter can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.
- Musculoskeletal injury. Roofers perform the same tasks repeatedly, putting them at risk for a repetitive-use injury and musculoskeletal damage. Back injuries, elbow and shoulder injuries, and knee problems are common among these professionals.
These injuries could be severe enough to require medical treatment and time away from work.
Report Your Roofing Injury
If you're injured while working on a roof, get medical help immediately. Then report your accident to your employer and file a First Report of Injury (FROI-1) form.
If you have any trouble with your employer (for example, many employers try to claim that roofers are independent contractors to avoid coverage) or with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, call me. I help injured roofers like you get the workers’ comp they deserve. Fill out the form on this page to schedule your free case evaluation and request a free copy of my information-packed e-book to learn everything you need to know to file a claim.
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