Your roof is leaking, or maybe you’re just trying to clean out your gutters. You get your trusty old ladder from the garage and set it up quickly to get the chore done fast. Maybe you’re even cautious about it, following all the safety guidelines to ensure you’re safe. But, you step onto your tile roof, not noticing that it's got a thin layer of moss growing on it and you slip.
Falling hurts. Falling from heights can be catastrophic. In the USA, each year there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths that are caused by falls from ladders. That simple chore you thought you could quickly get fixed can change your life dramatically. Even the most trained and professional roofers can and do fall. Even when every safety protocol is followed, some unknown or unaccounted for circumstance can alter the situation and cause a fall. Before you go onto your roof, ask yourself if you can truly be safe in the process and if it's worth the risk. Unless you are seasoned and trained on using a ladder and navigating a roof it is usually better to call in a professional. If you do not decide to call a professional in, here are some roof safety tips for homeowners.
Overall, the roof is a dangerous place to be. You should always use common sense when navigating a ladder and a roof. Be aware that being at any height puts you in a risky situation that could ultimately lead to serious injury or even death. These chores are best left to the professionals in almost all situations.