Working at heights, awkward postures, and unpredictable weather conditions... in the construction sector, roofing is one of the most exposed to risks. In light of the challenges of prevention and modernization, a survey recently conducted by the OPPBTP analyzes the conditions under which the profession operates.

On the rooftops, the horizon seems clear. But for those who work there, the reality is quite different, and the roofing profession remains one of the highest-risk in the construction industry. The figures are relentless: in 2021, the frequency rate (1) of workplace accidents in roofing companies reached 66.3, compared to 46.3 for the construction industry as a whole. And above all, this rate is accompanied by a significantly higher average severity. Among the causes of accidents, falls from heights are by far the most common, representing more than 50% of reported claims. This is hardly surprising given that all of a roofer's work is carried out at heights, sometimes more than ten meters above the ground, and often on inclined and slippery surfaces. This is followed by falls on the same level (20%) and accidents related to moving materials and equipment (15%). Added to this is an over-representation of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are the cause of more than 93% of occupational illnesses recorded in the sector. Handling, carrying loads, repetitive movements, working on your knees, prolonged exposure to bad weather... roofing concentrates – in addition to height – a significant number of factors that cause hardship.

Study to Understand

These alarming figures prompted a study conducted by the OPPBTP in partnership with the Union of Climate Engineering, Roofing, and Plumbing Trades (UMGCCP) and several occupational health and safety departments. It was based on the observation of three roof renovation projects, carried out from 2020 to 2022 by three companies with 26 to 45 employees, representative of the sector's artisanal fabric and voluntarily committed to the process. The projects involved single-story single-family homes or small multi-story apartments with 80 to 100 m² of slate or tile roofs (10 to 25 elements per m²) and slopes approaching 45°. Each project was monitored for three days, with a multidisciplinary approach involving ergonomists, occupational physicians, and prevention specialists. The OPPBTP relied on its method of analysis and evaluation of working conditions (MAECT, see box on page 34), to better understand the efforts, constraints and levers for improvement in a profession which combines technicality, arduousness and great physical demands.

Numerous physical constraints

The first, expected, observation remains unequivocal: roofing is a physically demanding profession, where the body is constantly put to work. On the sites observed, roofers handled between 450 and 3,900 kg of loads per day, with intense and repeated exertion. Tiles, slates, battens, insulation, boarding, rubble… The diversity of the materials handled adds to the complexity. In some cases, roofers move loads of up to 25 kg, sometimes at arm's length, often balancing precariously on slopes of 20 to 45°. The time spent exposed to these efforts is equally striking: between 53% and 66% of the working time is spent in continuous physical activity, including exertion classified as "intense" or "very intense" in more than a quarter of cases.

As for postures, the analysis carried out by the OPPBTP reveals that more than 60% of time is spent in awkward positions, 43% of which are held for more than thirty seconds. Kneeling or squatting positions, bent backs, repetitive movements on inclined planes, etc. expose professionals to an increased risk of MSDs, particularly in the knees, hips, and back.

A hostile environment

Another obvious observation: working at height is a major source of problems. Scaffolding, often poorly adapted or poorly secured, is one of the main hazards. On the construction sites observed, it did not always comply with safety standards, with insufficient edge protection or inadequate access to the roof. Furthermore, moving around on roofs, often without specific equipment, increases the risk of slips or falls. Furthermore, roofers are often exposed to risks related to their working environment. Noise, for example, is a major problem: sound levels often exceed regulatory thresholds, particularly when cutting tiles or attaching roof supports. On the construction sites studied, noise exposure limits were exceeded, increasing the risk of deafness for operators.

Inhalable dust, generated during cutting or removal of the old roofing, poses another hazard. On one of the construction sites, levels reached 36.77 mg/m3, well above regulatory limits. This dust, often composed of crystalline silica, can cause serious respiratory illnesses. Finally, climatic conditions play a significant role. Roofers work outdoors, exposed to the elements, whether rain, frost, or extreme heat. These conditions can not only affect their productivity, but also, of course, increase the risk of accidents.

Areas for reflection

But not everything is set in stone. The study is not limited to a rough snapshot of the constraints. It highlights possible levers for action and suggests several avenues for improvement to make the roofing profession safer.

• Better site preparation

The study recommends a complete site survey before work begins, in order to anticipate material requirements, site constraints, and necessary equipment. Better coordination between the various work packages on the site could also limit the risks associated with concurrent work.

• Appropriate and safe equipment

Scaffolding, often poorly adapted, must be redesigned to ensure the safety of roofers. The study recommends the use of modular scaffolding, better adapted to building configurations, as well as safe means of access to the roof. Likewise, personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety harnesses and knee pads, should be systematically worn.

• Mechanization of the most arduous tasks

To reduce physical strain, the study suggests automating certain tasks, such as the supply of roofing materials. The use of telescopic forklifts or material lifts could limit the carrying of loads and reduce the risks of MSDs.

• Better site preparation

The study recommends a complete site survey before work begins, in order to anticipate material requirements, site constraints, and necessary equipment. Better coordination between the various work packages on the site could also limit the risks associated with concurrent work.

• Appropriate and safe equipment

Scaffolding, often poorly adapted, must be redesigned to ensure the safety of roofers. The study recommends the use of modular scaffolding, better adapted to building configurations, as well as safe means of access to the roof. Likewise, personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety harnesses and knee pads, should be systematically worn.

• Mechanization of the most arduous tasks

To reduce physical strain, the study suggests automating certain tasks, such as the supply of roofing materials. The use of telescopic forklifts or material lifts could limit the carrying of loads and reduce the risks of MSDs.

And now?

Beyond the technical findings, this report lays the foundation for a broader reflection on the evolution of the roofing profession. It illustrates the importance of better promoting expertise, further professionalizing site management, and supporting companies in implementing concrete and realistic solutions. It is neither a warning nor an end in itself, but rather constitutes a foundation, a tool for dialogue between companies, teams, and prevention specialists. It reminds us that improving working conditions is inseparable from the quality of the building and the attractiveness of the profession.

In a context of recruitment pressures, ecological transition, and rising technical requirements, rethinking the organization of rooftop work is becoming a strategic issue. For the roofing profession to remain a career with a future, it will be necessary to provide working conditions worthy of its expertise.

Brice-Alexandre Roboam

Photo credits : OPPBTP

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