Protecting Roofing 

Workers

OSHA 3755-05 2015
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

“To assure safe and healthful working 

conditions for working men and women; 

by authorizing enforcement of the 

standards developed under the Act; by 

assisting and encouraging the States in 

their efforts to assure safe and healthful 

working conditions; by providing for 

research, information, education, and 

training in the field of occupational safety 

and health...”

This publication provides a general 

overview of worker rights under the 

Occupational Safety and Health Act 

(OSH Act). This publication does not alter 

or determine compliance responsibilities 

which are set forth in OSHA standards 

and the OSH Act. Moreover, because 

interpretations and enforcement policy 

may change over time, for additional 

guidance on OSHA compliance 

requirements the reader should consult 

current administrative interpretations and 

decisions by the Occupational Safety and 

Health Review Commission and the courts.

Material contained in this publication is in 

the public domain and may be reproduced, 

fully or partially, without permission. 

Source credit is requested but not required.

This information will be made available to 

sensory-impaired individuals upon request. 

Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter 

(TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627. 

Cover photo courtesy of the National Roofing 

Contractors Association.
Protecting Roofing 

Workers

U.S. Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 3755-05 2015
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

4

Disclaimer

This guidance document is not a standard 

or regulation and it creates no new legal 

obligations. The document is advisory in 

nature, informational in content, and is 

intended to assist employers in providing 

a safe and healthful workplace. The 

Occupational Safety and Health Act requires 

employers to comply with safety and health 

standards promulgated by OSHA or by a 

state with an OSHA-approved state plan. 

In addition, the Act’s Section 5(a)(1), the 

General Duty Clause, requires employers to 

provide their workers with a workplace free 

from recognized hazards likely to cause death 

or serious physical harm. Employers can be 

cited for violating the General Duty Clause if 

there is a recognized hazard and they do not 

take reasonable steps to prevent or abate the 

hazard. However, failure to implement any 

specific recommendations contained within 

this document is not, in itself, a violation of 

the General Duty Clause. Citations can only 

be based on standards, regulations, and the 

General Duty Clause.
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

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Table of Contents

Purpose and Scope of this Guide . . . . . . . . . . 7

Plan, Provide, Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Getting Started with Roofing Safety . . . . . . 9

Fall Protection Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Fall Protection Training. .

The Requirement to Provide 

Fall Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Using a Personal Fall 

Arrest System (PFAS). .

How to Set Up a Personal 

Fall Arrest System. .

Rescue of Workers  .

Using a Fall Restraint System. .

Using a Guardrail System. .

Warning Lines and Safety Monitors . . . . . . 16

Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

All Ladders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Worker Position on a Ladder  .

Extension Ladders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Stepladders. .

Scaffolding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Access. .

Platform. .

Guardrails. .

Falling Object Protection  .

Training. .

Lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Aerial Lifts. .

All-Terrain Forklifts  .

Safe Debris Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Electrical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Integrity of Older Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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Roofing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Built-up Roofing. .

Torch Applied Roofing. .

Single-ply Roofing. .

Roofing Tool Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 28

Protecting Workers Who Work with 

Hazardous Substances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Hazard Communication. .

Specific Health Hazards. .

Coordinating with Other Contractors . . . . . 31

Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Emergency Services. .

First Aid and Medical Emergencies. .

General Duty to Protect Workers from Other 

Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Heat Illnesses. .

Cold Stress. .

Other Weather Conditions  .

Workers’ Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

OSHA Assistance, Services and Programs 35

NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program 39

OSHA Regional Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

How to Contact OSHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

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Purpose and Scope of 

this Guide

Falls are the leading cause of death in the 

construction industry, accounting for over 

3,500 fatalities between 2003 and 2013. Falls 

from roofs accounted for nearly 1,200, or 

34%, of the fall deaths during that period. 

Roofers encounter many hazards on the job, 

including hazards associated with working 

at heights and from ladders, power tools, 

electricity, noise, hazardous substances, and 

extreme temperatures. Unless these hazards 

are controlled by the employer, roofers risk 

serious injury, illness and death. 

To protect workers on roofing jobs, 

employers must identify the hazards present 

and take steps to address them. This guide 

covers safe practices to prevent falls, other 

physical injuries, hazardous substance 

exposures, and injuries and illnesses related 

to environmental conditions. 

Below is a table of frequently cited OSHA 

standards for roofing contractors during 

FY 2013. 

OSHA Standards Frequently Cited During FY 2013 

Inspections of Roofing Contractors (NAICS 238160)

Rank by 

Number of 

Citations 

Issued Categories Standard

1 Duty to have fall protection 1926.501

2 Ladder safety 1926.1053

3 Fall protection training 

requirements 1926.503

4 Eye and face protection 1926.102

5 General scaffold 

requirements 1926.451

6 General safety and health 

provisions 1926.20

7 Head protection 1926.100

8 Fall protection systems 

criteria and practices 1926.502
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OSHA Standards Frequently Cited During FY 2013 

Inspections of Roofing Contractors (NAICS 238160)

Rank by 

Number of 

Citations 

Issued Categories Standard

9 Ladder training 

requirements 1926.1060

10 Hazard Communication 1926.59 

which 

refers to 

1910.1200

Source: NAICS 238160 – Roofing Contractors, October 

2012 through September 2013. 

Plan, Provide, Train

Falls can be prevented and lives can be saved 

through three simple steps: “Plan, Provide 

and Train.” See OSHA’s Fall Prevention 

Campaign web page for resources to help 

prevent falls (www.osha.gov/stopfalls).

Here are some basic ideas for developing fall 

protection strategies for roofing operations.

■ Employers need to “PLAN” ahead to get 

the job done safely — Employers need 

to develop a plan and ensure the proper 

equipment, material and appropriately 

trained workers are available.

 Know the pitch of the roof and follow 

the appropriate standard.

— Low slope roof – 4:12 slope or less – 

29 CFR 1926.501(b)(10).

— Steep roof – above 4:12 slope – 

29 CFR 1926.501(b)(11).

■ Employers must “PROVIDE” the right 

equipment — Employers must provide fall 

protection and the right equipment for the 

job, including the right kinds of ladders, 

scaffolds, and safety gear.

■ Employers must “TRAIN” workers to use 

the equipment safely — Employers must 

train workers in hazard recognition and in 
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

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the care and safe use of ladders, scaffolds, 

fall protection systems, and other 

equipment they will be using on the job.

 Understand the requirements of 

OSHA’s Fall Protection standards at 

29 CFR 1926, Subpart M, to protect 

workers exposed to falls six feet or 

more above a lower level. 

 Implement safe work practices to 

reduce the possibility of falls.

 Supervise workers to ensure fall 

protection equipment is used and 

maintained correctly. 

 Lead by example. Employers, project 

managers, and supervisors should 

follow the rules they are responsible 

for enforcing.

Need help? Don’t wait. Call your nearest local 

OSHA area Compliance Assistance Specialist 

(www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/

cas.html) or Consultation Program office 

(www.osha.gov/consultation).

Getting Started with 

Roofing Safety

All employers in the construction industry 

must have a safety program. Contractors 

and employers who perform construction 

work must comply with standards in 29 CFR 

1926, Subpart C, General Safety and Health 

Provisions, as well as other applicable 

Photo courtesy of ACTA Safety & Peterson Dean Roofing
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

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standards. The standards outline employers’ 

responsibilities for initiating and maintaining 

a safety program that provides for frequent 

and regular inspections of job sites, materials, 

and equipment (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2)) and 

for ensuring that workers are trained to 

recognize and avoid unsafe conditions (29 

CFR 1926.21(b)(2)). Employers must provide 

training in a language and in a manner that 

workers can understand.

Fall Protection Requirements

Falls are the leading cause of work-related 

injuries and deaths among roofers. Working 

six feet or more above lower levels put roofers 

at risk for serious injury or death if they should 

fall. A lack of fall protection, damaged fall 

protection equipment, or improper setup will 

increase their risk of falling from height.

Fall Protection Training

Employers must provide fall protection 

training for all workers who may be exposed 

to fall hazards. The training must be 

conducted by a competent person and include 

information on how to recognize fall hazards 

and on what procedures to follow to minimize 

them (29 CFR 1926.503(a)). Training must 

address how to inspect, erect/disassemble, 

and maintain the fall protection equipment 

involved in the work (29 CFR 1926.503(a)(2)(ii)). 

Retraining is required when previous training 

becomes obsolete due to changes in work 

conditions or fall protection systems or 

equipment. Retraining is also required when 

worker performance indicates a need for it 

(29 CFR 1926.503(c)).

Employers must certify that workers have 

been trained by documenting it in accord with 

29 CFR 1926.503(b) – Certification of Training.
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

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For additional information on what must be 

included in fall protection training, see 29 CFR 

1926.503 – Training Requirements.

The Requirement to Provide 

Fall Protection

Using a Personal Fall Arrest 

System (PFAS)

Employers generally must provide fall 

protection if workers are exposed to a fall of 

6 feet or more to a lower level. One form of 

fall protection is a personal fall arrest system 

(PFAS). When used properly, these systems 

will arrest a fall and prevent the worker from 

contacting a lower level. A PFAS consists of 

an anchor, a harness, and a lifeline or lanyard 

(usually with a deceleration device).

A PFAS must be used properly to be 

effective. Adjust the harness to fit snugly. 

The D-ring attachment for the harness should 

be centered between the worker’s shoulder 

blades and the leg straps should be adjusted 

until they are snug. 

Fall arrest systems must be designed and set 

up to prevent a worker from free falling more 

than 6 feet or contacting a lower level (e.g., the 

floor or the ground) (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(iii)). 

Body belts are not acceptable in a PFAS 

because they can cause serious injury during 

a fall (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).

The anchorage for a fall arrest system must 

be capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per 

worker attached or be designed, installed, 

and used under the supervision of a qualified 

person, as part of a complete personal fall 

arrest system that maintains a safety factor of 

at least two (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)). During 

roofing work, it is important not to attach 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

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anchors to sheathing, single trusses, or most 

guardrails. These are typically not strong 

enough to meet OSHA’s standard. Instead 

of attaching anchors to sheathing alone, 

attach an anchor to a structural member by 

driving the fasteners through the sheathing 

and into the rafter or truss member below. 

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s 

instructions when installing anchorage. 

Employers must ensure that fall arrest 

equipment subjected to the forces of a fall 

are taken out of service until it has been 

inspected by a competent person and 

determined to be undamaged and suitable for 

reuse (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(19)).

How to Set Up a Personal 

Fall Arrest System

The length of the lifeline or lanyard, the 

position of the anchor, and the distance to the 

lower level are all important. Employers need 

to select equipment that permits workers to 

operate efficiently while limiting the distance 

they could fall.

Employers must properly calculate the fall 

clearance distance to ensure that a worker 

will not contact the lower level in the event 

of a fall (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(iii)). And 

employers also need to evaluate the potential 

for a pendulum effect, which could swing a 

fallen worker into a nearby object. Swing-fall 

hazards can cause serious injuries, but they 

can be minimized by installing the anchorage 

point above the work area (i.e., up the roof 

slope from the worker) and setting up a 

maximum work range from the anchor point 

according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

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A personal fall arrest system is designed to 

safely stop a fall before the worker strikes a 

lower level. It has three major components: 

A. An anchorage to which the lanyard’s 

snap hook is attached.

B. A full-body harness worn by the worker.

C. A connector, such as a lanyard or lifeline,

linking the harness to the anchorage.

Personal fall arrest systems typically use a 

shock-absorbing lanyard, a self-retracting 

lifeline, or a deceleration device. 

The total fall distance is the minimum vertical 

distance between the worker and a lower 

level that is necessary to ensure that the 

worker avoids contact with the lower level 

during a fall. It is important that employers 

calculate this distance before work begins 

to ensure that the proper fall protection 

equipment is selected for the location. To 

determine the total fall distance, several 

factors must be taken into consideration: 

■ Free fall distance: The distance the worker 

falls before the PFAS begins to slow the 

fall. This distance must be 6 feet or less for 

a PFAS (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(iii)). 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

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■ Deceleration distance: The distance the 

lanyard stretches in order to arrest the fall. 

OSHA requires that this distance be no greater 

than 3.5 feet (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(iv)), but 

it may be less for some PFAS equipment. 

■ D-ring shift: How far the D-ring shifts and 

the harness stretches when it supports 

the full weight of a fallen worker, including 

the weight of tool belts and other attached 

equipment or tools. Employers typically 

assume this shift is 1 foot, but it can vary, 

depending on the equipment design and 

the manufacturer.

■ Back D-ring height: The height of the 

D-ring, measured as the distance between 

the D-ring and the sole of the worker’s 

footwear. Employers often use a standard 

distance of 5 feet for this height, assuming 

a worker who is 6 feet tall. The D-ring 

height needs to be adjusted for very tall 

workers, and for shorter workers as well.

■ Safety margin: An additional distance 

(typically a minimum of 2 feet) to ensure 

that there is enough clearance between 

the worker and the lower level after a fall.

The total fall clearance distance can be 

calculated by adding all of these values together.
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

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Rescue of Workers 

Employers need a plan for rescuing workers 

in the event of a fall whenever personal fall 

arrest systems are used. A personal fall arrest 

system can save a life; however, a medical 

emergency, such as suspension trauma, can 

develop if the fallen worker is not rescued 

quickly. A fallen worker may not be able to 

reach a safe work surface without assistance. 

The availability of rescue personnel, ladders 

or other rescue equipment should be 

evaluated prior to starting the job. Employers 

need to ensure supervisors and workers 

are trained on how to get the fallen worker 

to safety. Rescues must be done promptly 

(29 CFR 1926.502(d)(20)) and safely to prevent 

further injury.

Using a Fall Restraint System

Employers can use a fall restraint system 

to protect workers from fall hazards. A 

fall restraint system stops workers from 

reaching the edge of the walking/working 

area even if they lose their footing and 

slide. OSHA recommends that fall restraint 

systems have the capacity to withstand 3,000 

pounds or twice the maximum expected 

force needed to restrain the employee from 

exposure to the fall hazard. www.osha.gov/

pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_

table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=22006.

When employers use fall restraint systems to 

prevent workers from reaching unprotected 

sides or edges, they must train workers how 

to determine the appropriate lanyard length 

prior to beginning work.
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Using a Guardrail System

Employers can use guardrail systems around 

roof openings and at the roof perimeter to 

protect workers from fall hazards. Temporary 

guardrail systems that attach to rafters or 

other structural members are increasingly 

available through commercial sources.

The top rails of a guardrail system must be 

39 to 45 inches above the walking/working 

surface (29 CFR 1926.502(b)(1)). Intermediate 

structural members (for example, midrails or 

screens) must be installed when there is no 

wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches high 

(29 CFR 1926.502(b)(2)). Midrails, when used, 

must be installed midway between the top 

edge of the guardrail system and the walking/

working surface (29 CFR 1926.502(b)(2)(i)). 

Guardrail systems must be able to withstand 

a 200-pound force in any outward or 

downward direction within 2 inches of the top 

edge (29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3)). 

Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical 

members, solid panels, and equivalent 

structural members must withstand a 

150-pound force in any outward or downward 

direction (29 CFR 1926.502(b)(5)). 

Guardrail systems must be surfaced to prevent 

punctures and lacerations and to prevent 

clothes from snagging (29 CFR 1926.502(b)(6)).

Warning Lines and Safety 

Monitors

Employers can elect to protect their workers 

from falling, while engaged in roofing 

activities on low-slope roofs, by a combination 

of warning line system and guardrail system, 

warning line system and safety net system, 

warning line system and personal fall arrest 
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

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system, or warning line system and safety 

monitoring system. Or, on roofs 50 feet 

(15.25 m) or less in width, the use of a safety 

monitoring system alone is permitted (29 CFR 

1926.501(b)(10)). The safety monitor is always a 

competent person (29 CFR 1926.500(b)).

The warning line system shall consist of 

ropes, wires, or chains, and supporting 

stanchions (29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)). The 

warning line system shall: 

■ be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) 

from the roof edge (29 CFR 1926.502(f)(1)

(i)); not less than 10 feet when mechanical 

equipment is used (29 CFR 1926.502(f)(1)(ii));

■ be flagged at least every 6 feet with highvisibility material (29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(i));

■ be no less than 34 inches (.9 m) and no 

more than 39 inches (1.0 m) from the walking/

working surface (29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(ii));

■ be capable of resisting a force of at least 

16 pounds (71 N) without tipping over (29 

CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(iii));

■ have a minimum tensile strength of 500 

pounds (2.22 kN) (29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(iv));

■ be attached in such a way that pulling on the 

line will not result in slack being taken up in 

adjacent sections before the stanchion tips 

over (29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(v)).

Covers

Employers can use covers to protect workers 

from falling through skylights and other 

holes/openings on roofs (29 CFR 1926.501(b)

(4)(i)). If used the covers shall:

■ be capable of supporting, without failure, 

at least twice the weight of employees, 

equipment, and materials that may be 

imposed on the cover at any one time (29 

CFR 1926.502(i)(2));
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■ be secured when installed so as to 

prevent accidental displacement by the 

wind, equipment, or employees (29 CFR 

1926.502(i)(3));

■ be color coded or marked with the word 

“HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of 

the hazard (29 CFR 1926.502(i)(4)).

All Ladders 

Ladders can give roofers a convenient way to 

access upper work levels. Extension ladders 

and stepladders are the two most common 

types of ladders on roofing job sites. 

Employers must ensure that ladders are 

inspected by a competent person for visible 

defects on a periodic basis and after any 

occurrence that could affect their safe use (29 

CFR 1926.1053(b)(15)).

The employer shall train each worker how to 

recognize hazards related to ladders and in 

the procedures to be followed to minimize 

those hazards (29 CFR 1926.1060(a)).

Secure footing for all ladders is important; 

ladders must be used only on stable and level 

surfaces unless they are secured to prevent 

accidental displacement (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)

(6)). It may be necessary to take steps to create 

a secure footing that will support the ladder 

without the ladder sinking, shifting, or sliding. 

Employers must ensure that areas at the top 

and bottom of the ladder are kept clear (29 

CFR 1926.1053(b)(9)), and ladders must not be 

placed in areas of traffic, such as driveways 

or doorways, unless they are secured to 

prevent accidental displacement or protected 

from the traffic via a barricade (29 CFR 

1926.1053(b)(8)). 
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

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Worker Position on a Ladder 

As a good practice, employers should 

train workers to maintain three points of 

contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet 

and a hand) at all times when ascending or 

descending a ladder. Additionally, workers 

must not carry anything that could cause 

them to lose their balance and fall (29 CFR 

1926.1053(b)(22)). (Workers can put tools in a 

bucket and use a rope to pull them up to the 

working level.)

Extension Ladders

Employers must ensure that non-selfsupporting ladders are set at an angle so the 

horizontal distance between the top support 

and the foot of the ladder is approximately 

one-quarter the working length of the ladder 

(a 1:4 ratio) (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(5)(i)). (The 

working length of the ladder is the distance 

along the ladder between the foot and the top 

support.) The side rails of the ladder generally 

must extend at least 3 feet above the upper 

landing surface that the worker is trying 

to access (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1)). When 

such an extension is not possible because 

of the ladder’s length, the ladder must be 

secured at its top to a rigid support that will 

not deflect and a grasping device, such as a 

grabrail, must be provided to assist workers 

in mounting and dismounting the ladder. 

Stepladders

Employers need to ensure that workers 

use stepladders in the fully open position. 

Workers must not use the top or the top step 

of a stepladder as a step; doing so could lead 

to serious injury (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(13)). 

See these additional resources related to safe 

ladder work practices:
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

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■ Falling Off Ladders Can Kill – Use Them 

Safely: www.osha.gov/Publications/

OSHA3625.pdf

■ Safe Use of Extension Ladders – Fact 

Sheet: www.osha.gov/Publications/

OSHA3660.pdf

■ Safe Use of Job-made Wooden Ladders – 

Fact Sheet: www.osha.gov/Publications/

OSHA3661.pdf

■ Safe Use of Stepladders – Fact Sheet: 

www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3662.pdf

■ NIOSH Ladder safety app for mobile 

devices: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls

Additional OSHA requirements regarding 

ladders are provided in 29 CFR 1926.1053.

Scaffolding 

Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified 

person and must be constructed and loaded in 

accord with that design (29 CFR 1926.451(a)(6)).

Employers must ensure that only experienced 

and trained workers erect, move, dismantle 

or alter scaffolds. That work must be done under 

the supervision and direction of a competent 

person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, 

dismantling, or alteration (29 CFR 1926.451(f)(7)).

Access

Workers are most vulnerable to fall hazards 

when climbing on or off a scaffold. Therefore, 

employers need to provide safe scaffold 

access. When scaffold platforms are more than 

2 feet above or below a point of access, workers 

must use portable ladders, hook-on ladders, 

attachable ladders, stair towers, stairwaytype ladders, ramps, walkways, integral prefabricated scaffold access, or direct access 

from another scaffold, structure, personnel 

hoist or similar surface (29 CFR 1926.451(e)(1)).
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

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Platform

Employers must ensure that each platform 

on all working levels of scaffolds are fully 

planked or decked between the front uprights 

and the guardrail supports as per 29 CFR 

1926.451(b)(1). The space between adjacent 

platform units and the space between the 

platform and the uprights must be no more 

than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, except where the 

employer can demonstrate that a wider space 

is necessary (29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1)(i)).

Guardrails

Employers must ensure that workers on a 

scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level 

are protected from falls (29 CFR 1926.451(g)

(1)). Employers often use guardrails to provide 

this protection.

Guardrails used to comply with OSHA’s fall 

protection requirements for scaffolds must 

be installed along all open sides and ends 

of platforms (29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(i)). And 

generally, toprails must be installed between 

36 or 38 and 45 inches above the platform 

surface depending on the type and age of the 

scaffold (29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(ii)). Toprails 

must be able to withstand, without failure, a 

force (applied in any downward or horizontal 

direction at any point along its top edge) 

of at least 100 pounds for single-point and 

two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds 

and of at least 200 pounds for all other 

scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(vii)).

When midrails are used, employers must 

ensure that they are installed at a height 

approximately midway between the top edge 

of the guardrail system and the platform 

surface (29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(iv)).
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When screens and mesh are used, employers 

must ensure they extend from the top edge of 

the guardrail system to the scaffold platform, 

and along the entire opening between the 

supports (29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(v)).

Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical 

members, solid panels, and equivalent 

structural members of a guardrail system 

must be able to withstand, without failure, a 

force applied in any downward or horizontal 

direction at any point along the midrail or 

other member of at least 75 pounds for 

guardrail systems with a minimum 100 pound 

toprail capacity, and at least 150 pounds for 

guardrail systems with a minimum 200 pound 

toprail capacity (29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(ix)).

Falling Object Protection 

Employers are required to protect workers 

from objects falling from scaffolds (29 CFR 

1926.451(h)(1)). Where there is a danger 

of tools, materials, or equipment falling 

from a scaffold and striking workers 

below, employers must follow a series of 

requirements (29 CFR 1926.451(h)(2)). The 

area below the scaffold must be barricaded 

and workers must not enter the hazard area

(29 CFR 1926.451(h)(2)(i)). Also, toeboards 

generally must be erected along the edge of 

platforms more than 10 feet above lower levels 

for a distance sufficient to protect workers 

below (29 CFR 1926.451(h)(2)(ii)). When used, 

toeboards must be at least 31⁄2 inches high 

from the top edge of the toeboard to the level 

of the walking/working surface and must be 

securely fastened at the outermost edge of 

the platform and have no more than 1/4 inch 

clearance above the walking/working surface

(29 CFR 1926.451(h)(4)(ii)).
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

2 3

Training

Employers must designate a qualified person 

to train workers how to recognize and control 

the hazards associated with the type of 

scaffold being used (29 CFR 1926.454(a)).

Employers must also designate a competent 

person to train workers who erect, disassemble, 

move, repair, maintain, operate, or inspect 

scaffolds to recognize any hazards associated 

with these activities on the scaffold systems 

they will use (29 CFR 1926.454(b)). Training 

must be provided in a language the workers 

being trained can understand. 

Employers must retrain workers when:

■ changes at the worksite present new 

hazards;

■ changes in the type of scaffold, fall 

protection systems, falling object 

protection systems, or other equipment 

present new hazards; and

■ inadequacies in work involving scaffolds 

indicate that the worker has not retained 

the requisite proficiency.

For additional information on what must 

be included in scaffold training, see 29 CFR 

1926.454 – Training Requirements.

Lifts 

Aerial Lifts

Employers can use aerial lifts to enable 

workers to work at the edge of a roof while 

standing in the lift basket. Employers must 

only permit authorized workers to operate 

extensible and articulating boom platforms

(29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(ii)). Employers must 

ensure that the controls for extending and 

articulating arms are tested daily before use 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

2 4

to be sure that they are functioning safely (29 

CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(i)). 

With respect to extensible and articulating 

boom platforms, employers must ensure that:

■ workers stand firmly on the basket floor 

and do not sit or climb on the edge of 

the basket or use planks, ladders, or 

other devices for a work position (29 CFR 

1926.453(b)(2)(iv)); and 

■ workers are tied-off to the boom or basket

(29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(v)). 

See additional OSHA requirements for aerial 

lifts in 29 CFR 1926.453.

All-Terrain Forklifts 

All-terrain forklifts are covered under 29 CFR 

1926.602(c). Employers use these vehicles 

for raising equipment and materials to the 

roof and, in conjunction with manufacturerapproved man-baskets, to raise workers

(29 CFR 1926.602(c)(1)(ii)). When elevating 

workers, a safety platform firmly secured to 

the lifting carriage and/or forks must be used

(29 CFR 1926.602(c)(1)(viii)(A)).

Employers must ensure that forklift operators 

are appropriately trained (29 CFR 1926.602(d); 

29 CFR 1910.178(l)).

Safe Debris Disposal

Employers must consider worker safety 

when selecting a method for handling debris. 

If not managed properly, debris can become 

a trip hazard and contribute to falls. Falling 

debris can hit workers on the ground below. 

One effective method employers can use 

to manage debris is to use a forklift to raise 

a collection box to the roof level. When the 

box is full, or when the job is complete, the 

box of debris can be lowered to the ground 
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

2 5

without putting workers at risk. As an added 

benefit, this practice makes the cleanup 

process more efficient.

Electrical Safety

Most electrocutions involving roofers usually 

result from contact with overhead powerlines 

(service drops are the most common). 

Workers can also be exposed to potential 

electrocution hazards by contacting electrical 

conduit that may be buried in old roofing 

material that must be removed. Employers 

must protect workers from electrical hazards 

by de-energizing the circuits, grounding, or by 

guarding it effectively by insulation (29 CFR 

1926.416(a)(1)).

See additional requirements related to 

electrical safety under 29 CFR 1926, Subpart K.

Integrity of Older Buildings 

Before work begins, employers must ensure 

that any roof to be worked on has the 

strength and structural integrity to safely 

support workers (29 CFR 1926.501(a)(2)). 

Sometimes it may be necessary to inspect 

a roof from the inside of the structure to 

identify integrity issues.

Roofing Operations

Built-up Roofing

While hot tar built-up roofing represents a 

small percentage of residential work, it is 

used often in commercial roofing. 

Working with hot tar at 500°F can cause 

severe burns if the tar is mishandled. 

Fires are obvious hazards around kettles and 

tankers. Fire prevention is critical during hot 

work. A kettle can catch fire or even explode if 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

2 6

the tar heats to its flash point. Employers must 

develop a fire protection program that includes 

provisions for required firefighting equipment 

at their job sites (29 CFR 1926.150(a)(1)). 

Employers must have fire extinguishers, 

rated not less than 10B, within 50 feet of 

wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or 

combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable 

gas are being used on the job site (29 CFR 

1926.150(c)(1)(vi)). Employers should also 

ensure that workers follow the precautions 

specified by the manufacturer of the bitumen 

and the kettle.

Employers must ensure that workers are 

trained to operate equipment safely and to 

identify and avoid hazards (29 CFR 1926.20(b)

(4) and 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)). 

Because of the nature of built-up roofing work, 

employers need to provide necessary personal 

protective equipment. Working around kettles, 

tankers, luggers, and mop buckets can lead 

to spills and splashes from hot tar. To protect 

workers from burns, proper clothing like 

gloves, work boots, long sleeve cotton shirts, 

long cotton pants without cuffs, eye protection 

or face shields must be provided. 
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

2 7

Torch Applied Roofing

Torch applied roofing uses an open flame 

system that can reach temperatures of 

2,000°F at the torch end. When heat from 

the torch is improperly applied to the roofing 

ply, it can conduct enough heat to ignite 

combustible materials underneath, such 

as wood decking or trusses, without the 

knowledge of the roofer. Preconstruction 

surveys, following the ply manufacturer’s 

application techniques, and posting a fire 

watch can prevent a catastrophic loss and 

personal injury from fires. Regular fire-watch 

inspections should be done throughout 

the day by a competent person and for a 

minimum of two hours starting when the last 

torch is extinguished on a roof. Inspections 

should include the roof’s entire field, 

flashings and the underside of the roof deck. 

Working around unprotected or improperly 

stored propane tanks is a recipe for a serious 

accident. Never heat a propane tank with a 

torch, lay a tank on its side, or use the wrong 

gauge or pressure beyond the specifications 

of the tank or application instructions.

Employers must ensure that propane tank 

storage meets local building codes and OSHA 

requirements at 29 CFR 1926.153(j), 29 CFR 

1926.153(k) and 29 CFR 1926.153(l).

Single-ply Roofing

While there are some single-ply roofing 

applications that involve hot work, most 

applications of single-ply roofing use solventbased adhesives. These adhesives are 

usually highly flammable. Employers need to 

ensure that open flames and smoking are not 

permitted while these adhesives are used.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

2 8

Employers need to ensure that workers 

understand the warnings on the adhesive 

container labels and follow the personal 

protective equipment (PPE) handling and use 

recommendations found in the applicable 

safety data sheets (SDSs).

Roofing Tool Safety

Roofing hand and power tools and equipment 

can be hazardous and can cause severe 

injuries if used incorrectly. Employers can 

reduce the risk of injuries by providing tool 

guards, PPE and training workers.

Power tools (e.g., nail guns, saws, etc.) should 

have the proper shields, guards, or safety 

attachments specified by the manufacturer. 

Employers must ensure that workers using 

power tools wear appropriate eye protection 

(29 CFR 1926.102(a)(1)). Always be sure to 

replace damaged or missing tool guards (29 

CFR 1926.300(b)(1)). 

Employers need to train workers on the 

proper use of roofing tools and equipment. 

In this training, it is important to discuss tool 

safety features, safe operating procedures, 

and safe work practices, such as proper body 

placement and how to use PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment 

Employers have a duty to protect workers 

from recognized hazards. Where the hazard 

cannot be eliminated by other types of 

controls (e.g., engineering or administrative 

controls), employers must ensure that workers 

wear appropriate PPE (29 CFR 1926.28 and 29 

CFR 1926.95). Employers need to ensure that 

workers are properly trained in the inspection, 

care, fit and use of required PPE.
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

2 9

Typical PPE Used with Various 

Roofing Tools and Equipment

• Nail guns: Wear hearing protection and eye 

protection. Also use safety devices that 

prevent the nail gun from discharging unless 

it is in contact with the work surface. Avoid 

carrying the nail gun against the body, or with 

a finger on the trigger, or while connected to 

the air compressor.

See Publication on Nail Guns on OSHA’s 

website at: www.osha.gov/doc/topics/nailgun

• Generator/air compressor: Wear hearing 

protection and eye protection while working 

near the equipment.

• Compressed air: Wear hearing protection and 

eye protection. Also use a whip check or wire 

connections to prevent separation. Confirm that 

the pressure is adjusted appropriately for the tool.

• Shingle stripper (manual): Wear proper 

footwear and eye protection.

• Tin snips: Wear work gloves and safety glasses. 

Discard waste or scrap metal appropriately.

• Power saw: Wear hearing protection, eye 

protection, and work gloves. Ensure that 

blades are sharp and that guards are in place 

and functioning correctly. 

• Working near mobile equipment or traffic:

Wear high-visibility clothing (e.g., vest).

• Unprotected work at heights 6 feet or greater:

Use fall arrest or fall restraint equipment.

• Hazardous substance present: Wear an 

appropriate respirator1

 if permissible dust, 

mist, or fume levels are exceeded.

• General: Employers must determine when it 

is appropriate for workers to wear hard hats, 

safety glasses, and work boots. Additionally, 

workers should know how to inspect the PPE 

and put it on so that it will protect them from the 

hazards they could encounter at the work site.

1 Workers who are required to wear respirators 

must be covered by a respiratory protection 

program and meet other requirements of 

29 CFR 1926.103 and 29 CFR 1910.134 – 

Respiratory Protection.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

3 0

Protecting Workers Who Work 

with Hazardous Substances

Hazard Communication

If workers are exposed to hazardous 

substances, their employers must develop a 

hazard communication program that trains 

workers how to read and understand safety 

data sheets, container labeling, and other 

forms of warning. The training must also 

include the measures workers must use to 

protect themselves. The employer also must 

share information about hazardous chemicals 

with other employers whose workers on the 

site could be exposed. See 29 CFR 1926.59 

and 29 CFR 1910.1200. 

Specific Health Hazards

Roofers may come across hazardous 

chemicals such as: 

■ Asbestos – Asbestos enters the body 

primarily through inhalation. It can 

also enter the digestive tract if workers 

eat or smoke in a contaminated area. 

Breathing asbestos fibers can cause a 

buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs called 

“asbestosis” and result in loss of lung 

function that often progresses to disability 

and death. Asbestos also causes cancer of 

the lung and other diseases. Employers 

must protect roofers from asbestos 

exposure which is found in some insulation 

products and other roofing and siding 

materials on older homes. For protection 

requirements related to working with 

asbestos-containing materials, see 29 CFR 

1926.1101 – Asbestos.

■ Lead – Lead enters the body primarily 

through inhalation and ingestion. Workers 

are mainly exposed to lead by breathing 

in lead-containing dust and fumes. Lead 

passes through the lungs into the blood 
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

3 1

where it can harm many of the body’s 

organ systems. Employers must protect 

roofers from lead exposure which is 

found in lead-based paints, including old 

paint on exposed woodwork and steel. 

For protection requirements related to 

working with lead-containing materials, 

see 29 CFR 1926.62 – Lead.

■ Silica – Workers who inhale very small 

crystalline silica particles are at risk 

for silicosis. Symptoms of silicosis can 

include shortness of breath, cough and 

fatigue, and may or may not be obviously 

attributable to silica. Workers exposed 

to airborne crystalline silica also are at 

increased risk for lung cancer, chronic 

obstructive pulmonary disease and 

kidney disease. Employers must protect 

roofers from silica exposure which may be 

found in concrete and ceramic roof tiles. 

For protection requirements related to 

working with silica-containing materials, 

see 29 CFR 1926.55 – Appendix A, Gases, 

Vapors, Fumes, Dusts and Mists.

■ Other. See 29 CFR 1926.55 – Appendix A, 

Gases, Vapors, Fumes, Dusts and Mists.

Coordinating with Other 

Contractors

All contractors on site need to be aware of all 

operations. For example, contractors should 

be aware of other employers’ barricaded 

areas so as to minimize the possibility of 

workers being hit by falling debris or being 

struck by moving equipment. 

Housekeeping 

Effective housekeeping will help keep the 

worksite organized and minimize hazards that 

may cause workers to trip or fall. Specifically, 

watch for loose cords and air hoses that can 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

3 2

roll underfoot and cause workers to lose their 

footing on a roof. Keep supplies and hand 

tools secured so that they do not present a 

tripping hazard. Secure tools when not in use 

to ensure that they will not fall off the roof. 

See 29 CFR 1926.25.

Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

Emergency Services

Employers must train workers in any emergency 

action plan required by OSHA standards (29 

CFR 1926.35(e)(2)). EAPs must include, among 

other information, the preferred means of 

reporting emergencies and procedures for 

evacuating the area (29 CFR 1926.35(b)). 

Workers should always know the street address 

of where they are working in case they need 

to give emergency services their location. Post 

the site street address and emergency contact 

information in prominent locations. This will 

allow workers to quickly contact emergency 

services with necessary information.

First Aid and Medical 

Emergencies

When there is no infirmary, clinic, hospital, or 

physician within a reasonably accessible time 

and distance, employers must ensure that 

someone is available at the site with first-aid 

training verified by documentary evidence 

(such as a training certificate) (29 CFR 

1926.50(c)). Required first-aid supplies must 

be easily accessible (29 CFR 1926.50(d)(1)). 

Where the eyes or body of any person may 

be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, 

suitable facilities for quick drenching or 

flushing of the eyes and body must be 

provided within the work area for immediate 

emergency use (29 CFR 1926.50(g)). See 

29 CFR 1926.50 – Medical Services and First 

Aid, for additional requirements.
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

3 3

General Duty to Protect 

Workers from Other Hazards

Roofers are routinely exposed to the elements, 

which means there is often a threat of 

overexposure to hot or cold conditions, the 

sun, or stinging or biting insects. Employers 

have a duty to protect workers from recognized 

serious hazards on the job site (Section 5(a)(1) 

of the Occupational Safety and Health Act).

Heat Illnesses

Every year, thousands of workers become 

sick from occupational heat exposure, 

and some even die. These illnesses and 

deaths are preventable. Symptoms of heat 

illnesses include:

■ Throbbing headache

■ Dizziness and light-headedness

■ Lack of sweating despite the heat

■ Red, hot, and dry skin

■ Muscle weakness or cramps

■ Nausea and vomiting

■ Rapid heartbeat, which may be either 

strong or weak

■ Rapid, shallow breathing

■ Behavioral changes such as confusion, 

disorientation, or staggering

■ Seizures

■ Unconsciousness

Employers should plan for preventing — 

and treating workers who are experiencing 

symptoms of — heat-related illnesses. Heat 

illnesses range from heat rash and heat 

cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

Heat stroke requires immediate medical 

attention and can result in death. Employers 

should provide workers with water, rest and 

shade; should gradually increase workloads 

and allow more frequent breaks for new 

workers or workers who have been away for 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

3 4

a week or more (acclimatization); and should 

educate workers about the symptoms of heatrelated illnesses and how to prevent them. 

Always remember: WATER, REST, SHADE.

Note: Get more information on how to 

prevent heat illnesses, as well as planning and 

training resources, from OSHA’s Heat Illness 

Prevention website at www.osha.gov/heat.

Cold Stress

Prolonged exposure to freezing or cold 

temperatures can cause serious health 

problems such as trench foot, frostbite and 

hypothermia. In extreme cases, including 

cold water immersion, exposure can lead to 

death. Employers need to train workers how 

to recognize the danger signs of cold stress, 

which can include uncontrolled shivering, 

slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue, 

and confused behavior. If these signs are 

observed, workers should know how to get 

emergency help.

Note: Get more information on how to prevent 

cold weather injuries, illnesses and fatalities, 

as well as planning and training resources, 

from OSHA’s Winter Weather website: 

www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather.

Other Weather Conditions 

High winds, wet weather, and icy conditions 

are especially hazardous for roofing workers. 

It is important for employers to consider 

suspending operations in bad weather. This 

is especially important when working on 

any roofing surface that can be particularly 

slippery when wet, including slate, tile, metal 

roofs and some single ply membranes. 
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

3 5

Workers’ Rights

Workers have the right to:

■ Working conditions that do not pose a risk 

of serious harm. 

■ Receive information and training (in a 

language and vocabulary the worker 

understands) about workplace hazards, 

methods to prevent them, and the OSHA 

standards that apply to their workplace. 

■ Review records of work-related injuries 

and illnesses. 

■ File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect 

their workplace if they believe there is a 

serious hazard or that their employer is 

not following OSHA’s rules. OSHA will 

keep all identities confidential.

■ Exercise their rights under the law without 

retaliation, including reporting an injury 

or raising health and safety concerns with 

their employer or OSHA. If a worker has 

been retaliated against for using their 

rights, they must file a complaint with 

OSHA as soon as possible, but no later 

than 30 days. 

For more information, see OSHA’s Workers 

page.

OSHA Assistance, Services 

and Programs 

OSHA has a great deal of information to 

assist employers in complying with their 

responsibilities under OSHA law. Several 

OSHA programs and services can help 

employers identify and correct job hazards, 

as well as improve their injury and illness 

prevention program.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

3 6

Establishing an Injury and Illness 

Prevention Program

The key to a safe and healthful work 

environment is a comprehensive injury and 

illness prevention program.

Injury and illness prevention programs are 

systems that can substantially reduce the 

number and severity of workplace injuries 

and illnesses, while reducing costs to 

employers. Thousands of employers across 

the United States already manage safety 

using injury and illness prevention programs, 

and OSHA believes that all employers can 

and should do the same. Thirty-four states 

have requirements or voluntary guidelines 

for workplace injury and illness prevention 

programs. Most successful injury and 

illness prevention programs are based on a 

common set of key elements. These include 

management leadership, worker participation, 

hazard identification, hazard prevention and 

control, education and training, and program 

evaluation and improvement. Visit OSHA’s 

Injury and Illness Prevention Programs 

web page at www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/

safetyhealth for more information.

Compliance Assistance Specialists

OSHA has compliance assistance specialists 

throughout the nation located in most OSHA 

offices. Compliance assistance specialists 

can provide information to employers and 

workers about OSHA standards, short 

educational programs on specific hazards 

or OSHA rights and responsibilities, and 

information on additional compliance 

assistance resources. For more details, visit 

www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/

cas.html or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) to 

contact your local OSHA office.
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

3 7

Free On-site Safety and Health 

Consultation Services for Small 

Business

OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program offers 

free and confidential advice to small and 

medium-sized businesses in all states across 

the country, with priority given to high-hazard 

worksites. Each year, responding to requests 

from small employers looking to create or 

improve their safety and health management 

programs, OSHA’s On-site Consultation 

Program conducts over 29,000 visits to small 

business worksites covering over 1.5 million 

workers across the nation.

On-site consultation services are separate 

from enforcement and do not result in 

penalties or citations. Consultants from state 

agencies or universities work with employers 

to identify workplace hazards, provide advice 

on compliance with OSHA standards, and 

assist in establishing safety and health 

management programs.

For more information, to find the local On-site 

Consultation office in your state, or to request 

a brochure on Consultation Services, visit 

www.osha.gov/consultation, or call 1-800-321-

OSHA (6742).

Under the consultation program, certain 

exemplary employers may request 

participation in OSHA’s Safety and Health 

Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). 

Eligibility for participation includes, but 

is not limited to, receiving a full-service, 

comprehensive consultation visit, correcting 

all identified hazards and developing an 

effective safety and health management 

program. Worksites that receive SHARP 

recognition are exempt from programmed 

inspections during the period that the SHARP 

certification is valid.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

3 8

Occupational Safety and Health 

Training Courses

The OSHA Training Institute partners with 

27 OSHA Training Institute Education Centers 

at 42 locations throughout the United States 

to deliver courses on OSHA standards and 

occupational safety and health topics to 

thousands of students a year. For more 

information on training courses, visit www.

osha.gov/otiec.

OSHA Educational Materials

OSHA has many types of educational 

materials in English, Spanish, Vietnamese 

and other languages available in print or 

online. These include:

■ Brochures/booklets;

■ Fact Sheets;

■ Guidance documents that provide detailed 

examinations of specific safety and health 

issues;

■ Online Safety and Health Topics pages;

■ Posters;

■ Small, laminated QuickCardsTM 

that provide brief safety and health 

information; and

■ QuickTakes, OSHA’s free, twice-monthly 

online newsletter with the latest news 

about OSHA initiatives and products to 

assist employers and workers in finding and 

preventing workplace hazards. To sign up for 

QuickTakes visit www.osha.gov/quicktakes.

To view materials available online or for a 

listing of free publications, visit www.osha.

gov/publications. You can also call 1-800-321-

OSHA (6742) to order publications.
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

3 9

OSHA’s web site also has information on job 

hazards and injury and illness prevention for 

employers and workers. To learn more about 

OSHA’s safety and health resources online, 

visit www.osha.gov. Use the A-Z index to help 

find information and assistance.

NIOSH Health Hazard 

Evaluation Program

Getting Help with Health Hazards

The National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health (NIOSH) is a federal agency that 

conducts scientific and medical research 

on workers’ safety and health. At no cost 

to employers or workers, NIOSH can help 

identify health hazards and recommend 

ways to reduce or eliminate those hazards 

in the workplace through its Health Hazard 

Evaluation (HHE) Program.

Workers, union representatives and 

employers can request a NIOSH HHE. An HHE 

is often requested when there is a higher than 

expected rate of a disease or injury in a group 

of workers. These situations may be the 

result of an unknown cause, a new hazard, 

or a mixture of sources. To request a NIOSH 

Health Hazard Evaluation go to www.cdc.

gov/niosh/hhe/request.html. To find out more 

about the Health Hazard Evaluation Program:

■ Call (513) 841-4382, or to talk to a staff 

member in Spanish, call (513) 841-4439; or

■ Send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

4 0

OSHA Regional Offices

Region I

Boston Regional Office

(CT*, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*) 

JFK Federal Building, Room E340

Boston, MA 02203

(617) 565-9860 (617) 565-9827 Fax 

Region II

New York Regional Office

(NJ*, NY*, PR*, VI*)

201 Varick Street, Room 670

New York, NY 10014

(212) 337-2378 (212) 337-2371 Fax

Region III

Philadelphia Regional Office

(DE, DC, MD*, PA, VA*, WV)

The Curtis Center

170 S. Independence Mall West

Suite 740 West

Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309

(215) 861-4900 (215) 861-4904 Fax

Region IV 

Atlanta Regional Office

(AL, FL, GA, KY*, MS, NC*, SC*, TN*)

61 Forsyth Street, SW, Room 6T50

Atlanta, GA 30303

(678) 237-0400 (678) 237-0447 Fax

 

Region V

Chicago Regional Office

(IL*, IN*, MI*, MN*, OH, WI)

230 South Dearborn Street 

Room 3244

Chicago, IL 60604

(312) 353-2220 (312) 353-7774 Fax
PROTECTING ROOFING WORKERS

4 1

Region VI

Dallas Regional Office

(AR, LA, NM*, OK, TX)

525 Griffin Street, Room 602

Dallas, TX 75202

(972) 850-4145 (972) 850-4149 Fax

(972) 850-4150 FSO Fax

Region VII

Kansas City Regional Office

(IA*, KS, MO, NE)

Two Pershing Square Building

2300 Main Street, Suite 1010

Kansas City, MO 64108-2416

(816) 283-8745 (816) 283-0547 Fax

Region VIII

Denver Regional Office

(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT*, WY*)

Cesar Chavez Memorial Building

1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 551

Denver, CO 80204

(720) 264-6550 (720) 264-6585 Fax

Region IX 

San Francisco Regional Office

(AZ*, CA*, HI*, NV*, and American Samoa, 

Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands)

90 7th Street, Suite 18100

San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 625-2547 (415) 625-2534 Fax

Region X

Seattle Regional Office

(AK*, ID, OR*, WA*)

300 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1280

Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 757-6700 (206) 757-6705 Fax
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

4 2

* These states and territories operate 

their own OSHA-approved job safety and 

health plans and cover state and local 

government employees as well as private 

sector employees. The Connecticut, Illinois, 

New Jersey, New York and Virgin Islands 

programs cover public employees only. 

(Private sector workers in these states are 

covered by Federal OSHA). States with 

approved programs must have standards that 

are identical to, or at least as effective as, the 

Federal OSHA standards.

Note: To get contact information for OSHA 

area offices, OSHA-approved state plans and 

OSHA consultation projects, please visit us 

online at www.osha.gov or call us at 1-800-

321-OSHA (6742).
How to Contact OSHA

For questions or to get information or advice, 

to report an emergency, report a fatality or 

catastrophe, order publications, sign up for 

OSHA’s e-newsletter QuickTakes, or to file a 

confidential complaint, contact your nearest 

OSHA office, visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA 

at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.

For assistance, contact us

We are OSHA. We can help
For more information:

Occupational

Safety and Health

Administration

www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

U.S. Department of Lab