Risk Management

This column uses fictitious case histories to introduce important loss-control principles. The details for these case histories are not meant to represent any particular occurrence. Any similarities to living people or actual events are purely coincidental.

Door Roofing regularly installs commercial (low-slope) roof systems on schools, typically hot asphalt built-up roof systems. Although the company has not had many insurance claims, a roofing worker recently fell 15 feet (5 m) through a hole in a roof deck at a school job site. This accident should have been perceived as a warning that fall-protection regulations were not being followed and more accidents would occur if the company did not enforce safety rules.

Every year, a loss-control representative from Door Roofing's insurance carrier inspects job sites to ensure safety programs are being followed. Door Roofing always was rated average, and loss-control representatives only had minor recommendations. However, the latest inspections revealed poor work habits and sloppy job sites despite Door Roofing's written compliance with previous recommendations. Ernie, a loss-control representative, was surprised conditions deteriorated so abruptly at some Door Roofing job sites, so he visited additional projects. The same undesirable safety concerns were present at these sites, too.

At three local schools with buildings more than 25 feet (8 m) high, Ernie noted several safety concerns, such as small groups of summer-school students congregating under a roofing work area; two employees working beyond a perimeter warning line while a safety monitor was working at another end of the roof; an extension ladder tied off too short for the roof height; a partial perimeter warning line located at a crane's loading material side; fire extinguishers not readily apparent on a roof; and plugged drains on the main roof system.

Ernie was worried about the safety infractions and set up a meeting later that day with Door Roofing's owner, Tim. Ernie told Tim it was apparent fall protection was not being used and employees were ignorant of regulations and their responsibilities. Ernie then reviewed the following recommendations that immediately needed to be implemented so the insurance company would consider renewing Door Roofing's coverages:

•  All new employees must have an initial, formal safety orientation. This should include discussions about Door Roofing's safety policy and overall roof safety. Watching fall-protection videos and reviewing safety literature would enhance the orientation.
  
  
• A perimeter warning line must be installed within 6 feet (2 m) of a roof's edge. If employees go beyond this line, an approved body harness and lanyard must be used or dedicated safety monitor wearing a labeled orange vest must be present. Fall protection should be established during prejob planning and when first visiting job sites.
  
  
• Drains must be checked for obstructions.
  
  
• Workers never should carry bulky materials up or down steep extension ladders. Instead, a hoist or other appropriate mechanical device should be used.
  
  
• Ground warning tape should have wide perimeters. If needed, a dedicated safety monitor should be present on the ground for additional protection. It also is necessary to review security with school districts and school administrators.
  
  
• Fire extinguishers must be of the proper type and size, readily accessible when hot mop work is being done and always visible.
  
  
• Job sites should have documented site inspections of pre-existing damage.
  
  

Ernie advised Tim he would work with Tim's insurance agent to set loss-control goals for the calendar year. Examples of the goals could include reducing fall losses by 50 percent.

Additionally, Ernie said these discussions should include accident-investigation reporting procedures and retaining quality-control documentation to help develop uniform company procedures. Maintaining quality-control documents can help prevent unnecessary claims.

Ernie also told Tim insurance companies have a different perspective than roofing contractors when looking for safety infractions that can result in insurance claims. Ernie said Door Roofing likely would suffer future accidents if it doesn't implement his recommendations.

Leslie Kazmierowski is NRCA's insurance programs manager.