When it comes to roofing, there’s a lot more that goes into the job than meets the eye. While materials and workmanship are critical factors to the success of your project, the safety precautions that a contractor follows behind the scenes are equally important. For example, a Maine roofer is currently facing contempt charges for ignoring violations cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and refusing to pay more than $400,000 in fines for safety hazards that risked the safety and lives of his employees. Two businesses owned by Stephen Lessard were cited for safety violations 11 times at 11 different work sites from 2000 to 2011 – most involving fall hazards.
Unfortunately, this is a story that’s in the news all too often. Though OSHA has strict safety rules in place governing Columbus roofing contractors and others in the construction industry, there are always contractors who cut corners to save time and money, while putting their workers at risk.
Questions to Ask a Contractor
Here’s how this affects you, the homeowner. If the contractor you hire does not properly implement and maintain a safety program within his organization, that contractor could easily find himself in the same position as Mr. Lessard: out of business. The warranties that a former contractor provided to his customers become null and void, leaving homeowners without recourse if they have a problem with their installation. In addition, homeowners could be held liable for injuries to workers that occur on their property.
Ultimately, it’s the contractor’s responsibility to ensure he is complying with OSHA regulations by using proper safety equipment and ensuring all workers complete necessary safety training, but homeowners can also keep contractors accountable by asking important questions.
- Do you carry insurance? Muth & Company carries full workman’s comp and liability insurance to cover injuries and any property damage that might occur.
- Are your employees properly trained? Every member of our staff is properly trained and certified in best practices in safety, Dublin Ohio roof repair and installation.
- What safety measures will your workers be taking while working on my home? Our employees are careful to use equipment that prevents falls from a roof and other on-the-job injuries.
Choose the roofers Columbus homeowners have trusted for nearly 25 years. Call Muth & Company Roofing today at (614) 682-3060 for a FREE estimate on roof repair or roof replacement.