Beating the Heat
Staying Safe on the Roof in the Western Sun
by Stephen Zasadil, WSRCA Safety Consultant, President, SNK Services LLC
(Editor’s Note: Stephen Zasadil spent ten years as a safety of flight operator with the United States Navy before beginning his career as a safety compliance consultant in 2009. He currently works with companies across the United States to provide OSHA compliance information, documentation, and training.)
When you’re up on a roof in the blazing western heat, it can feel like you’re working inside an oven. The sun beats down, shingles radiate heat, and breaks can be few and far between. But heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous. In fact, heat-related illnesses (HRIs) are one of the most serious hazards roofers face, especially in states like California, Arizona, and Nevada.
According to the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), construction workers make up only 6% of the United States workforce but account for a staggering 36% of all work-related heat fatalities. Roofers, in particular, are nearly seven times more likely to suffer a heat-related death than the average worker. Some trades, like cement masons, face a risk ten times higher. Hispanic workers, especially those born in Mexico, are disproportionately affected, making it clear that we need targeted and effective solutions.
So how do we keep from becoming part of those statistics? It starts with knowledge and preparation. Here’s how you can beat the heat before it beats you.
Know the Risks: Why Roofers Are So Vulnerable
Roofers are often exposed to direct sunlight with little to no shade, usually while working with materials like asphalt and metal that absorb and radiate heat. On top of that, roofs can be 30 to 50 degrees hotter than the ambient temperature. Add in hard physical labor, and it becomes a perfect storm for heat illness.
Many HRIs occur in the first few days of high heat, especially when a worker isn’t acclimated. That means even experienced roofers can get caught off guard if they’re coming back from a vacation or transitioning from spring to summer work.
Spot the Signs in Yourself & Your Crew
Heat illness doesn’t always start with someone passing out. Often, the early symptoms are subtle, and that’s where having a good crew lookout really matters. Here are the signs you should know:
Early signs of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, weakness or fatigue, headache, dizziness or confusion, nausea or vomiting, cool, pale, or clammy skin, muscle cramps, and a fast, weak pulse. Severe signs that indicate heat stroke, meaning you should call 911 immediately, include: body temperature above 103° Fahrenheit, hot, red, dry, or damp skin, a rapid, strong pulse, confusion or unconsciousness, and seizures. If you or a coworker show signs of heat exhaustion, act quickly. Don’t try to push through it.
Treatment & What to Do
When heat illness strikes, the clock is ticking. Here’s what to do:
- Get to shade or a cool area: Move the person to a shaded spot or indoors with AC. Even under a canopy or truck awning is better than direct sun.
- Cool the body: Remove excess clothing and use cool, damp cloths or spray them with water. If possible, use ice packs under the arms and behind the knees. Avoid dunking them in cold water unless it’s a true emergency and you’re trained.
- Hydrate: Give sips of cool water if the person is conscious and not vomiting. Don’t force fluids.
- Monitor and stay with them: Never leave someone with suspected heat illness alone. Symptoms can escalate fast.
- Call for help if needed: If you suspect heat stroke or if symptoms worsen, don’t wait. Call 911 immediately.
Final Thoughts: Safety Isn’t Just a Rule, It’s a Mindset
Roofing is tough work, and roofers are some of the hardest-working folks out there. But toughness doesn’t mean ignoring your body’s warning signs. The statistics from CPWR don’t lie, this is a real and preventable hazard. It only takes a few minutes to cool down, hydrate, and get back to work safe.
So next time the sun is pounding and you feel just a little off, take it seriously. Look out for your crew, listen to your body, and keep safety on top. Because no roof is worth your life.
