Focus

There is no shortage of serious issues in the roofing industry. Right now, the industry is grappling with a work force shortage, immigration reform and the emergence of green roof systems, to name a few. But there is another issue that is always important but frequently overlooked: safety and health.

This month, we dedicate Professional Roofing to safety and health issues facing roofing workers and offer two pullouts (see photos) focusing on summer health issues' symptoms, causes and treatments. The pullouts—one is in English and the other is in Spanish—will help your workers prepare for the peak summer roofing season.

Also, Chuck Scislo, NRCA's director of training, provides an in-depth look at how overexposure to noise can harm roofing workers in "Noise notice," page 24.

He writes: "Ten million Americans have suffered irreversible noise-induced hearing loss, and 30 million more are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders."

In addition, we provide a photo collage of health and safety practices in "Staying safe," page 26. The photos focus on steep- and low-slope roofing applications.

Both articles have special content that only can be found at www.professionalroofing.net as part of our expanded Web exclusive offerings. Details about the online exclusives are on page 10.

During the busy roofing season, take some time to review your company's safety program to make sure your workers stay healthy and safe. Not only is it the right thing to do, it also can have a dramatic, positive effect on your company's bottom line and long-term success.

There is a wealth of safety and health information available from NRCA. For more information, call NRCA's Risk Management Department at (847) 299-9070 or access www.nrca.net/rp/about/insurance/default.aspx.

Ambika Puniani Bailey is editor of Professional Roofing magazine and NRCA's director of communications.