When you hire a roofing contractor, you’re doing more than assigning a task—you’re trusting a team to protect everyone under your roof. That includes your tenants, employees, and customers. You expect every roofer to come trained, equipped, and ready—not only to deliver quality work but also to respond to life-threatening emergencies if they happen.

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve spent over 40 years helping businesses protect their roofs—and just as importantly, we protect the people working on them.

That’s why we host regular Safety Days, where we train our crews to handle real-life emergencies, like what to do if someone falls from a roof. We don’t just talk about safety—we practice it, drill it, and prepare for it.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we train for worst-case scenarios—and how that training protects your building, your business, and your peace of mind.

What Is Weather Shield’s Plan If Someone Falls Off a Roof?

Falls are the most dangerous risk in commercial roofing. While we go to great lengths to prevent them, we train every crew member to respond if one occurs.

Here’s how our team reacts in the event of a fall:

1. Call 911 with Precision

The moment someone falls, we contact emergency services. But we don’t just call for help—we give them the information they need to act fast:

• The exact jobsite address

• Which section of the roof we’re working on

• The safest access points to reach the scene

• How many people are involved and their condition

By giving first responders the right details immediately, we help them reach the injured person faster—often making a life-saving difference.

2. Know the Jobsite Before the Emergency

Before we start any project, our crews walk the site and identify:

• All roof access points (ladders, hatches, lifts)

• Any equipment that could help in an emergency (SkyTraks, forklifts)

• Who inside the building could assist if needed

Each service tech and crew member gets trained to assess their environment before stepping onto the roof. Because in a crisis, every second counts—and knowing the layout ahead of time can save a life.

Why Are the First Six Minutes So Important?

One of the most important lessons we teach during Safety Day: if someone is hanging in a harness after a fall, you have six minutes or less to relieve the pressure.

Why? Because the harness can: 

• Cut off blood flow to the legs 

• Cause dangerous blood clots to form 

• Lead to stroke, heart attack, or sudden death—even after the person seems “okay” 

That’s why our crews are trained to act quickly and safely to relieve that pressure: 

• Deploying a rescue ladder or SkyTrak 

• Using an emergency descent kit if available 

• Finding a fast and safe way to lower or support the individual 

If someone is rescued before EMS arrives, our training ensures they are: 

• Kept in an upright seated position

• Monitored for signs of shock or trauma

• Never allowed to just “walk it off” or skip medical care 

Every fall incident requires a hospital visit. We don’t guess when it comes to someone’s health. 

How Does This Protect You as a Customer?

When our roofers are trained to respond to emergencies calmly and professionally, you get: 

✅ Fewer job site disruptions
✅ Reduced liability on your property
✅ Confidence that the crew on your roof is equipped for anything
✅ Clear, documented safety protocols in place

In short, our safety preparation becomes your risk mitigation strategy.

We’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful preparation saves lives. We’ve also learned from real-world falls—where lives were protected because team members responded calmly and correctly, not in panic. 

What About High-Rise Roofs and Hard-to-Reach Areas?

Commercial buildings come in all shapes and sizes—including ones with limited access. What if the roof is 60 feet up and only accessible via hatch? 

Our crews are trained to evaluate those challenges before the work starts. We also discuss: 

• Having emergency ladder kits or descent systems on-site 

• Making sure tie-off systems are not shared, to avoid cascading failures 

• Understanding when a rescue attempt could put others at risk

In a real emergency, rescue attempts must be safe for everyone involved. Sometimes, rushing in without planning can lead to additional injuries. That’s why our culture emphasizes: 

“Think, assess, and act—with safety for everyone in mind.” 

Why This Should Matter to You

When a roofer works on your building, you’re trusting them with more than just materials and manpower. In fact, you’re trusting them to keep everyone safe—including your tenants, employees, and customers.

That’s why, at Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we believe that safety and professionalism go hand in hand. With this in mind, our clients don’t have to worry about “what if something goes wrong?”—because we’ve already trained for it.

So, if you’re considering a commercial roofing project and want a partner who prioritizes emergency preparedness and jobsite safety, we’re here to help.

Reach out today to learn how we combine quality roofing with an industry-leading safety culture.