How Do You Stay Safe on a Commercial Roof?

Working on commercial roofs brings serious risks—especially when skylights, roof edges, or sloped surfaces are involved. If you’re a property owner, manager, or investor, you may find yourself asking, Is my contractor working safely up there? That’s more than just a smart question—it’s a proactive step that helps protect you from liability, costly project delays, and potential tragedy.

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve partnered with businesses for over 40 years. Through that experience, one thing has become absolutely clear: safety isn’t a formality or a checklist—it’s a culture that must be lived every day, on every job site.

So, what does roof safety really look like? More importantly, what specific practices should you expect from a professional commercial roofing contractor?

To answer those questions, let’s start with a real-world example from our team:

What Is a Tie-Off Point, and Why Is It So Important?

A tie-off point is the anchor a roofer connects to their harness system—and not just any anchor will do. For true fall protection, the anchor must meet or exceed safety standards. Specifically, every approved tie-off point must be rated to hold at least 5,000 lbs per worker. Anything less—like tying off to a vent pipe, conduit, or a 3,000-lb anchor—can be catastrophic.

To meet safety standards, job sites should always include:

• Temporary anchors such as parapet clamps or weighted carts for mobile flexibility.

• Daily inspections of each anchor before use.

• Immediate removal and replacement of any defective equipment—no exceptions.

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we take this seriously. We train all workers to tie off whenever they are near an edge or opening, including skylights. In tighter spaces, our crews use short lanyards to reduce fall distance and maintain precise control, ensuring maximum safety.

Are Safety Carts Being Used Correctly?

Safety carts can be effective—if used precisely. Correct placement is critical to prevent dangerous swing falls and ensure full functionality.

Here’s what proper setup includes:

• Placing carts at least 15 feet from the roof edge.

• Maintaining a 45-degree swing fall radius so workers operate within a safe arc.

• Fully extending all six counterweights.

• Locking the steering pin in place.

• Re-securing the cart each time work progresses.

Any deviation from these guidelines increases the risk of a fall. These carts are heavy for a reason—they’re designed to save lives, but only when used and inspected correctly, every time.

What About Warning Lines and Setup?

Before any roofing work starts, especially on large flat roofs, crews need to install warning lines or flags to establish safe working boundaries.

These safety lines must be:

• Clearly visible and securely fastened.

• Installed at least 6 feet from any roof edge—never closer.

• Inspected daily to confirm they haven’t shifted or fallen.

Supervisors are responsible for verifying that all anchors, warning lines, and other safety systems are in place before work begins. Meanwhile, every worker must stay tied off and report any damaged or missing equipment immediately.

Is the PPE Up to Standard?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a non-negotiable aspect of roofing safety, yet it’s also where too many shortcuts happen. Here’s what you should expect:

✅ Do’s:

Full-body harnesses with shock-absorbing lanyards or self-retracting lifelines (SRLs).

Daily visual inspections by each user.

Proper storage in cool, dry, secure areas.

Annual inspections and documentation.

🚫 Don’ts:

No untrained workers should ever work at height.

Never use expired, damaged, or altered equipment.

Do not reuse any fall arrest gear after a fall unless it has passed a full inspection and is cleared by a qualified professional.

At Weather Shield, our crews follow these PPE standards rigorously. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t compromise.

How Do Lifelines Protect Roofers?

Lifelines are a cornerstone of any fall arrest system. The right type of lifeline depends on the job and the structure.

Lifeline types include:

• Horizontal: Ideal for flat roofs, allowing movement across larger work zones.

• Vertical: Used on ladders or steep slopes.

• Retractable: Provide mobility while limiting fall distance.

To function correctly, every lifeline must:

• • Attach to an anchor rated at 5,000 lbs per worker.

  • Be tensioned properly to prevent slack.

  • Avoid sharp edges, hot surfaces, or abrasive contact points that could cause damage.

In addition, each worker must use their own lifeline unless using a certified multi-user system. Furthermore, crews must ensure enough fall clearance beneath them—because even a properly tied-off fall can result in injury if there’s not enough space to stop safely.

Finally, a rescue plan must be in place. OSHA requires workers to be rescued within 15 minutes of a fall to prevent suspension trauma. Our team trains regularly for this exact scenario.

What Should You Look For on Your Roof?

If you’re not on the roof yourself, here’s a quick checklist of what to ask or observe when a commercial roofing crew is on-site:

• Are workers tied off near every edge, opening, or skylight?

• Are anchors clearly rated and properly installed?

• Are safety carts placed 15 feet back with all weights deployed?

• Are warning lines set 6 feet from the edge and visible?

• Do all workers have harnesses and lanyards in good condition?

• Is there a trained supervisor overseeing the safety setup?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it’s time to ask more questions. Because when it comes to roof safety, there’s no room for uncertainty.

Safety is Built into Everything We Do

Commercial roofing isn’t just about membranes and materials—it’s about making sure every worker goes home safe. At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, safety is not a box we check—it’s a culture we live.

From detailed daily equipment checks to hands-on training and third-party certifications, our safety systems are designed to protect both people and property. When you work with us, you’re not just getting a contractor. You’re gaining a long-term partner who treats your roof like it’s our own.

If you’re planning a commercial roofing project—or simply want a second opinion on your current contractor’s safety practices—let’s talk. We’re here to help.

Contact Weather Shield today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and learn how we keep your roof—and your people—protected.