Safe Commercial Roofing Practices Often Requires Thinking Outside of the Box
If you’ve ever watched roofers working several stories above the ground and wondered, “How do they stay safe up there?”—you’re not alone. At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve been helping businesses protect their properties (and our people) for over 45 years. Roof safety isn’t just part of the job; it’s the foundation of every job we do. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight smart, safe thinking from our team in the field.
This month, our January Top Safety Photo goes to Austin D. and Ryan M. for a creative and reliable approach to rooftop fall protection. Their setup is a great example of how experience and quick thinking can make a dangerous situation much safer.
What Are Roofer Tie-Offs and Why Do They Matter?
When working on commercial roofing systems, especially flat or low-slope roofs, one misstep can lead to a serious fall. That’s why OSHA requires fall protection systems like guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) when roofers are working at heights of six feet or more.
A tie-off is a critical part of a PFAS. It’s where the roofer connects their safety harness to a secure anchor point. But what happens when there’s no obvious tie-off anchor nearby?
How Did Our Team Create a Safe Tie-Off?
While preparing to access the lower roof, Austin and Ryan needed a secure place to anchor their harnesses before stepping out onto the new surface. Rather than risk walking out untied, they got creative using the existing building structure.
They:
Threaded a cross-arm strap through the scupper (a drainage opening in the parapet wall).
Wrapped it securely around the parapet wall.
Created a solid, temporary anchor point without needing to install additional hardware or delay the job.
This thoughtful and proactive approach ensured they were safely tied off even during a transition between roof levels—a common moment when falls are most likely to occur.
Is It Safe to Use a Scupper as an Anchor Point?
That’s a fair question. In most cases, scuppers aren’t designed or rated as structural anchor points. But in this case, the strap wasn’t relying on the scupper itself to bear the load—it simply passed through it, with the real holding power coming from the way the strap wrapped around the solid parapet wall.
This highlights an important safety practice: know the structure you’re using. Austin and Ryan evaluated the situation, confirmed the parapet could handle the load, and used the scupper strategically—not structurally.
It’s a smart workaround that avoided risk and kept the team tied off at all times.
What Are Parapet Walls and Scuppers?
If you’re a commercial property manager or building owner and not in roofing every day, these terms might sound unfamiliar.
- Parapet wall: A low wall that extends above the roofline. It adds safety and helps hide rooftop equipment, but can also be used as a safety anchor if properly evaluated.
- Scupper: An opening in a parapet or wall that allows rainwater to drain off the roof. Typically part of a flat roof drainage system.
While these aren’t usually meant for fall protection, a knowledgeable team can find ways to use them safely when needed, without compromising the roof system or the people working on it.
Why Is Roofer Safety Everyone’s Business?
Unsafe roofing practices can lead to:
- Injuries or fatalities
- OSHA fines
- Delays in your roofing project
- Liability issues for property owners
When hiring a commercial roofing company, always ask about their safety procedures, training, and fall protection strategies. At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, our teams are trained, equipped, and empowered to make the safest choices, even if it means thinking outside the box like Austin and Ryan.
How Can I Tell If a Roofer Is Working Safely?
If you’re on-site or overseeing a roofing job, here are a few key signs of safe practice:
- Roofers are wearing harnesses and hard hats.
- You see clearly anchored tie-off points.
- They maintain clean, organized work areas.
- There’s a visible safety setup when moving between roof levels.
Austin and Ryan’s photo is a perfect example of what this looks like in real life.
What Should You Expect From a Safe Commercial Roofing Contractor?
A quality contractor will:
- Conduct a pre-job safety walkthrough.
- Use fall protection on all elevated surfaces.
- Train every team member in proper tie-off and anchor usage.
- Have a clear emergency plan in place.
- Use Max Life™ Roof Care and other systems that reduce risky repairs by preventing issues early.
At Weather Shield, we know that your roof investment doesn’t just cover materials and labor. It also includes protecting every worker who steps on your property. That’s why we prioritize safety and communication from day one.
Every job, every roof, every day, safety isn’t optional. It’s a core value.
Thanks again to Austin and Ryan for going the extra mile and setting the bar high for safe, thoughtful roofing. Your smart tie-off strategy is a reminder that even when no “perfect” solution is visible, there’s always a safe one if you know where to look.
If you’re planning a commercial roofing project and want a team that works smart, stays safe, and protects your property and people, we’re here to help.
Contact Weather Shield Roofing Systems today to learn how we keep safety and quality at the center of every roof we build.
Jeff Vander Hart
Jeff is an executive leader with over 25 years of experience in the building materials, construction, and commercial roofing industries. As Vice President of Operations at Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, he is known for strengthening culture, scaling branch performance, and developing high-performing teams. His career progression—from Project Manager to Director roles and now VP—reflects a track record of delivering results through people-focused, process-driven leadership.
