1-800-321-OSHA (6742) • www.osha.gov 1

Falls and Other Hazards to Workers Removing Snow 

from Rooftops and Other Elevated Surfaces

Every year, workers are killed or seriously injured 

while performing snow or ice removal from rooftops 

and other building structures, such as decks. OSHA 

has investigated serious injuries and fatalities – all of 

which could have been prevented. 

Snow removal is performed for a number of reasons, 

such as to prevent overloading and collapse, or 

for construction or repair of decking or roofs. Often 

workers climb directly onto the roofs or structures 

and use equipment such as shovels, snow rakes, 

snow blowers, ladders, etc. Other times these 

operations may be performed from the ground level 

using snow rakes. Aerial lifts are sometimes used 

to access roofs and apply de-icing materials. Snow 

removal operations are often performed under 

extreme weather conditions (e.g., cold, high winds, 

icy surfaces). Workers who perform these activities 

(for example, building maintenance workers) may 

have little experience or training on the hazards of 

such operations or work. 

Workers performing snow removal operations are 

exposed to many serious hazards. Based on the 

findings of OSHA investigations, falls cause the most 

worker fatalities and injuries during rooftop snow 

removal. Workers may fall off roof edges, through 

skylights, and from ladders and aerial lifts. Workers 

may also be injured or killed by a roof collapse. 

Examples of incidents investigated by OSHA include: 

• A worker was removing snow from a roof, when 

he lost his balance and slid off the roof. He fell 

and struck his head on construction materials 

that were being stored below the roof, and 

sustained a fatal head injury.

• A worker was laying grid lines and shoveling 

snow on a second floor deck. An elevator shaft 

opening was covered with a plastic tarp with 

temporary guardrails installed around a portion 

of the shaft opening. The worker, who was not 

wearing any fall protection, fell 30 feet through 

the unguarded portion of the elevator shaft 

opening and died.

• Four workers were building a second-floor room 

addition. One of the workers was standing on a 

12-foot aluminum ladder attempting to clean snow 

from a low-slope roof, 10 feet above ground. 

The feet of the ladder slid, the worker fell, struck 

his head on the ladder and then on the concrete 

driveway. He died several days later.

• A worker was shoveling snow from the roof of a 

residential construction site. He fell from a height 

of more than 11 feet and was fatally impaled by a 

scaffold upright in the course of his fall.

Workers removing snow face other significant 

hazards in addition to falls from roofs, including:

• Amputations, eye injuries, and other injuries 

associated with the use of snowblowers and 

other mechanized equipment.

OSHA requires that employers plan ahead and use the proper 

protective measures to protect workers engaging in snow 

removal activities. This includes snow removal by workers from 

commercial and residential buildings, flat roofs and pitched roofs.
1-800-321-OSHA (6742) • www.osha.gov 2

• Collapses or tip-overs when using aerial lifts.

• Entrapment and suffocation under falling snow 

drifts or snow piles. 

• Shock/electrocution hazards from contacting 

power lines or damaged extension cords.

• Frostbite or hypothermia from cold and windy 

conditions.

• Musculoskeletal injuries from overexertion.

Under the OSH Act’s general duty clause, employers 

have a duty to protect workers from recognized 

serious hazards in the workplace, including hazards 

associated with snow removal from roofs. This 

hazard alert describes the steps you can take to 

prevent injuries and deaths from these hazards.

Plan Ahead for Safe Snow Removal 

from Roofs

Before snow starts to accumulate, think about 

what will be needed to safely remove snow 

from roofs or other elevated surfaces:

• Can snow be removed without workers going 

onto the roof? 

• Are there any hazards on the roof that might 

become hidden by the snow and need to 

be marked so that workers can see them 

(skylights, roof drains, vents, etc.)?

• How should the snow be removed, based on 

the building’s layout, to prevent unbalanced 

loading?

• What are the maximum load limits of the 

roof and how do they compare with the 

estimated total weight of snow, snow-removal 

equipment, and workers on the roof?

• What tools, equipment, protective devices, 

clothing and footwear will workers need? 

• What type of fall protection will be used to 

protect workers on roofs and other elevated 

surfaces?

• What training will workers need to work safely?

• How will mechanized snow removal 

equipment be safely elevated to the roof? 

• How will you protect people on the ground 

from snow and ice falling off the roof during 

removal operations?

Preventing Falls during Snow Removal

Working on a roof with snow, ice, or wind carries a 

risk of a fall onto the roof, or a fall off the roof to the 

ground below or through a snow-covered skylight, all 

of which are often fatal. Therefore, employers should 

protect their workers from these hazardous work 

conditions by:

• Using snow removal methods that do not involve 

workers going on roofs, when and where possible.

• Evaluating loads exerted on roof or structure (e.g., 

total weight of snow, workers and equipment 

used), compared to the load limit of the roofs.

• Requiring that workers use fall protection 

equipment.

• Ensuring that workers use ladders and aerial 

lifts safely.

Remove Snow Without Going on the Roof 

Whenever possible, use methods to clear ice and 

snow without workers going on the roof. For example:

• Use ladders to apply de-icing materials. 

• Use snow rakes or drag lines from the ground.

These methods can pose various hazards to workers. 

Read the sections below on “Use Ladders Safely,” 

“Use Aerial Lifts Safely,” and “Avoid Electrical Hazards.”

Snow rakes resemble a garden hoe with a long handle. Workers 

should be instructed to remove small amounts at a time to avoid 

strain or from being hit or buried by falling snow.
1-800-321-OSHA (6742) • www.osha.gov 3

Evaluate Load Bearing on the Roof or Structure 

Before workers access a roof or other elevated 

structure, the employer should confirm that the 

workers’ weight and any equipment used can be 

supported by the roof or structure without causing 

a collapse. Workers should always use caution by 

remaining alert to unexpected sounds or movement 

around surfaces that have been weighed down by 

snow (or water from melted snow), because these 

surfaces could collapse. 

Shoveling or raking a roof without using the proper 

procedures can also increase the risk of roof collapse 

by creating an unbalanced load on the roof. To 

prevent unbalanced loading during snow removal, 

workers should:

• Remove snow uniformly across the roof. 

• Avoid making snow piles on the roof.

Use Required Fall Protection 

Falls cause most of the deaths and severe injuries 

that occur during snow removal operations. OSHA 

standards require employers to evaluate hazards and 

protect workers from falls when working at heights of 

4 feet or more above a lower level (1910.23) or 6 feet 

or more for construction work (1926.501). 

If workers access roofs and other elevated surfaces 

to clear snow: 

• Train workers on fall hazards and the proper 

use of fall protection equipment, as required by 

1910.132(f)(1) and 1926.503(a)(1).

• Provide and ensure that workers use fall 

protection equipment if they are removing snow 

in areas that are not adequately guarded (e.g., 

with a guardrail system or cover) as required 

by STD 01-01-013 and 1926.501(b) (see box: 

“Information on Fall Protection” and “Note” below.) 

Information on Fall Protection

Personal fall arrest systems and guardrails are 

among the most commonly used forms of fall 

protection for work on roofs. 

• Typical personal fall arrest systems involve 

an anchor point, a full-body harness, and a 

connector, such as a retractable lifeline or a 

shock-absorbing lanyard. Anchor points must 

be able to support at least 5,000 pounds for 

each worker attached to it (1926.502(d)(15)) 

or maintain a safety factor of at least two 

(twice the impact load) under the supervision 

of a qualified person (1926.502(d)(15)(i) 

and (ii)). OSHA believes that anchorages 

available on the market will meet the strength 

requirements if they are installed as per the 

manufacturer’s instruction. 

• Guardrails must be 42 inches high with a 

midrail (1910.23(e), 1926.502(b)).

Other resources:

Personal Fall Arrest Systems, OSHA 

Construction e-tool

Fall Protection in Residential Construction, 

OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page

What is Snow Load and How Much Snow 

Can a Roof Support?

Snow load is the weight of the snow (generally 

reported in pounds per square foot). The weight 

of the snow will vary depending on its water 

content. Snow load on the ground can provide 

a rough indication of roof snow load, but roof 

snow loads also depend upon factors such as 

melting and re-freezing of snow and ice, drifting, 

roof slope, type of roof, and design features.

The amount of weight that a roof can safely 

support is based on local building code 

requirements and should be available within 

the design specifications for your building. If the 

structure or roof has structural deterioration, 

the roof might support less weight than would 

otherwise be expected.

Resources

• National snow load information, compiled 

by the U.S. Forest Service. Includes ground 

snow load information and links to statespecific data.

• National Weather Service, snow analysis 

data (searchable by region, state, city, and 

zip code).

• U.S. Department of Agriculture, National 

Resources Conservation Service, SNOwpack 

TELemetry (SNOTEL) snow data for states 

in the western U.S. Shows example ground 

snow load calculations.

• For more in-depth information on roof 

snow load calculations and requirements, 

see American Society of Civil Engineers 

(ASCE) 7, Minimum Design Loads for 

Buildings and Other Structures.
1-800-321-OSHA (6742) • www.osha.gov 4

• Instruct workers who wear personal fall protection 

equipment to put on their harnesses and buckle 

them snugly before mounting the roof.

• Have a plan for rescuing a fallen worker caught 

by a fall protection system, as required by 

1926.502(d)(20).

• Remove or clearly mark rooftop or landscaping 

features that could become trip hazards. 

Use Ladders Safely 

Workers may use ladders to access rooftops for 

snow removal. Workers should not use a snow 

rake or shovel while on a ladder because this 

greatly increases the risk of losing one’s balance 

and falling.

To prevent falls from ladders used for accessing roofs:

• Make sure that workers know the route and 

method they should use to get up and down from 

a roof in a way that minimizes the risk of falling. 

The safest location for the ladder might not be the 

most obvious one, or an alternate method (e.g., 

an access door or lift) might be available to get 

on the roof. Safe roof access is as important as 

having effective fall protection while on the roof.

• Ensure that workers follow safe practices when 

working on ladders, such as:

◦ Ensure that the ladder has level and secure 

footing, as required by 1910.23(c)(4) and 

1926.1053(b)(6).

◦ Check the ladder rungs for ice. A slippery 

step can cause a fatal fall.

◦ Position the ladder at the correct angle. 

Place the base of the ladder a distance 

from the vertical wall equal to one-fourth the 

working length of the ladder, see 1910.23 

(Figure D-1) and 1926.1053(b)(5)(i).

◦ Clean snow from shoes or boots before 

mounting the ladder.

◦ Extend the ladder 3 feet above the upper level 

(i.e., the roof). If not possible, use ladder rail 

extensions and secure the ladder to prevent 

it from slipping or tipping, as required by 

1926.1053(b)(1) and 1910.23(c)(11).

◦ If using an A-frame ladder, do not stand on 

the top two steps – that location is not stable.

◦ Always maintain three points of contact 

with the ladder (two feet and one hand, 

alternating with two hands and a foot), as 

required by 1926.1053(b)(21).

◦ Keep the centerline of the body inside the 

ladder rails. Do not lean or reach so that the 

body extends outside the rails – this position 

is unstable and could lead to a fall.

◦ Do not carry heavy or bulky objects or loads 

up a ladder, as required by 1926.1053(b)(22). 

This could cause loss of balance and falling. 

To transport this type of equipment, workers 

should climb up the ladder first, and then pull 

the equipment up to the working level with a 

rope or other appropriate hoisting method.

An aerial lift is being used in a snow removal operation. The worker 

is using a restraining belt and lanyard for protection.

NOTE: Snow removal is typically a maintenance activity 

regulated under OSHA’s general industry standards, 29 CFR 

1910 (see general industry fall protection compliance 

guidance, Directive STD 01-01-013, for work from elevated 

surfaces). However, on construction sites where snow 

must be removed in order to begin or continue construction 

work, OSHA’s standards at 29 CFR 1926 apply, including 

residential construction sites (see fall protection compliance 

guidance, Directive STD 03-11-002).

Protect People on the Ground 

during Snow Removal

Workers standing on the ground removing 

snow from the roof and bystanders can 

become trapped under snow falling from roofs 

and could suffocate. 

• Mark a safe work zone in the area where 

snow is to be removed (e.g., keep people 

back 10 feet from the point where snow is 

expected to be blown or fall).

• Wear eye and head protection, especially 

when removing ice.

• When using snow rakes, remove small 

amounts of snow at a time. 
1-800-321-OSHA (6742) • www.osha.gov 5

Use Aerial Lifts Safely 

Aerial lifts may be used during snow removal 

operations to transport de-icing equipment or to push 

or scrape snow from a roof.

Take the following steps to ensure safe use of this 

equipment (also see “Avoid Electrical Hazards” below): 

• Make sure that workers who operate aerial 

lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the 

equipment, as required by 1910.67(c)(2)(ii) 

and 1926.454.

• Maintain and operate elevating work platforms 

according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

• Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or 

electrical safety devices. 

• Never move the equipment with workers in an 

elevated platform unless this is permitted by 

the manufacturer, as required by 1926.453(b)

(2)(viii) and 1910.67(c)(2)(viii).

• Do not allow workers to position themselves 

between the rails of the basket and overhead 

hazards, such as joists and beams. Movement 

of the lift could crush the worker(s). 

• Provide and ensure that workers use a body 

harness or restraining belt with a lanyard 

attached to the boom or basket to prevent the 

worker(s) from being ejected or pulled from the 

basket, as required by 1910.67(c)(2)(v) and 

1926.453(b)(2)(v).

• Do not allow workers to climb or stand on the 

lift’s railing.

• Set the brakes and use wheel chocks when 

on an incline, as required by 1910.67(c)(2)(vii) 

and 1926.453(b)(2)(vii).

• Use outriggers, if provided. 

• Do not exceed the load limits of the 

equipment, as required by 1910.67(c)(2)(vi) 

and 1926.453(b)(2)(vi). Allow for the combined 

weight of the worker, tools and materials.

Preventing Injuries When Using 

Mechanized Equipment on Roofs

The unsafe use of mechanized equipment, such as 

snowblowers, while removing snow from roofs may 

cause injuries such as amputations and eye injuries. 

Accidents can also happen when workers are moving 

equipment used for snow removal to the rooftop.

• Train workers and ensure that they read, 

understand, and follow all manufacturers’ 

instructions for the safe use of all mechanical 

equipment, as required by 1926.21(b)(2).

• Provide and ensure that workers wear 

eye protection – items thrown by powered 

equipment can ricochet and cause serious 

eye damage, as required by 1910.133(a)(2) 

and 1926.102(a)(1). 

• Ensure that workers use safe work practices. 

For example:

◦ Raise materials to the roof using equipment 

lifts, winches, pull ropes, or related equipment. 

◦ Do not use powered equipment near 

the edge of any roof. Some snowblower 

manufacturers recommend maintaining a 

distance of 15 feet from the roof edge.

◦ Operate snow removal equipment at reduced 

speeds due to slippery roof conditions.

◦ Keep hands out of the collection or 

discharge openings on powered snow 

removal equipment – equipment such as 

snowblowers can cause amputations! If 

equipment becomes clogged, shut it off, 

wait until all moving parts have stopped, 

then use a clearing tool to unclog, as 

required by 1926.302(c).

Avoid Electrical Hazards

Workers may face electrical hazards such as 

electrocution and electric shock from power lines or 

snow removal equipment.

• Use extreme caution 

when working 

near power lines. 

Always treat power 

lines, wires and 

other conductors 

as energized, even 

if they are down 

or appear to be 

insulated.

• Maintain a distance 

of at least 10 feet 

from any power 

line, as required by 

1910.333(c)(3). 

• Make sure that all electrically powered 

equipment is grounded (third prong on a 

three-prong plug is not missing) and includes 

a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in 

the circuit, as required by 1910.304(b)(3), 

1910.334(a)(3), and 1926.404(b)(1)(ii).

• When using snow rakes, use extendable, 

nonconductive poles and designate workers as 

monitors to maintain 10 feet from snow rakes to 

overhead power lines. 

Two workers were 

using a high reach 

truck to remove 

snow and ice from 

a university sorority 

house. As they were 

working, one of the 

workers reached 

out and accidentally 

grabbed a 12,000-

volt electrical 

line. He was 

electrocuted.
1-800-321-OSHA (6742) • www.osha.gov 6

• When using aerial lifts, maintain a minimum 

clearance of at least 10 feet away from the 

nearest energized overhead lines, as required 

by 1910.333(c)(3). 

• If servicing equipment becomes necessary, 

isolate the energy following lockout/tagout 

procedures (for example, one method is to 

disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it 

against the machine), as required by 1910.147 

and 1926.417). 

Avoiding Other Hazards

Exposure to cold can cause injury and illness in 

workers removing snow. Cold exposure can cause 

frostbite (freezing in the deep layers of skin and 

tissue) and hypothermia (drop of body temperature 

to less than 95 ̊F). For information on how to prevent 

these situations, see OSHA’s Safety and Health 

Guide on Cold Stress.

Physical exertion during snow removal can also 

cause injuries and illnesses. Snow removal can be 

strenuous, particularly because cold weather can 

be taxing on the body, and can create the potential 

for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, or heart 

attacks, and can increase the risk of falls. Make sure 

that workers take steps to minimize overexertion and 

help prevent injuries, such as the following:

• Scoop or push small amounts of snow at a time. 

Use a smaller shovel or take smaller scoops of 

snow if snow is wet and heavy.

• Use proper form if lifting is necessary; keep the 

back straight and lift with the legs. 

• Do not overload the snowblower; let it operate 

at a modest speed.

• Take frequent breaks and drink fluids (avoid 

caffeine or alcohol).

Help for Employers

OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program offers 

no‐cost and confidential advice to small and mediumsized businesses in all states, with priority given to 

high-hazard worksites. On-Site consultation services 

are separate from enforcement and do not result 

in penalties or citations. For more information or 

to find the local On-Site Consultation office in your 

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

321-OSHA (6742).

OSHA 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. Visit www.osha.

gov/complianceassistance/cas or call 1-800-321-

OSHA (6742) to contact your local OSHA office.

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 additional information, see OSHA’s Workers page.

How to Contact OSHA

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 

of 1970, employers are responsible for providing 

safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. 

OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions 

for America’s working men and women by setting 

and enforcing standards, and providing training, 

education and assistance. For more information, 

visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA 

(6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.
Disclaimer

This hazard alert is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. It contains recommendations 

as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, 

informational in content, and are 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 and regulations 

promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. In addition, the Act’s General Duty Clause, 

Section 5(a)(1), requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely 

to cause death or serious physical harm.

DTSEM 12/2017 HA-3513

U.S. Department of Labor

U.S. Department of Labor

1-800-321-OSHA (6742) • TTY 1-877-889-5627 www.osha.gov

www.osha.gov