Safety Tips by Cotney
The slips nobody plans for: Winter fall hazards that catch roofing crews off guard
By Cotney Consulting Group. Cold weather demands a different pace, different planning and different expectations Most roofing companies prepare for winter by considering shorter days, material limitations and weather delays. What often gets less attention is how cold weather quietly changes jobsite conditions, making slips and falls more likely. Winter falls ...
Combat repetitive stress at work
By Cotney Consulting Group. Working hard shouldn’t mean hurting harder. With the right approach, your team can stay strong, productive and pain-free In the roofing industry, the focus on safety often centers around high-risk hazards like falls, heat stress or electrical shocks. But another threat creeps in quietly, one motion at ...
Fleet safety starts with maintenance: Why roofing contractors can't ignore vehicle care
By Cotney Consulting Group. In roofing, your tools may be on the roof, but your first step toward safety is the ride that gets you there. Roofing is a high-risk business; most safety conversations focus on what happens on the roof. However, many contractors overlook one of the most critical links ...
Hydration and heat illness awareness for roofers
By Cotney Consulting Group. The key isn’t waiting for heat illness to strike. It’s building a culture of prevention from day one. Roofing in hot weather is more than just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. With high temperatures, direct sun exposure and physically demanding labor, roofers face serious risks from heat-related illnesses. ...
Roof smart: Why common sense is your first line of safety
By Cotney Consulting Group. On every roof, every day, thinking ahead is the first step toward safety. When considering roofing safety, you might jump straight to harnesses, hard hats, warning lines and OSHA standards. While those are all critical components, there's one safety tool that doesn't get enough credit: common sense. ...
Safe use of flammables in roofing
By Cotney Consulting Group. With preparation, awareness and discipline, you can keep the spark in your work — not your job site. From torch-down systems and asphalt kettles to power tools and cleaning solvents, roofing crews work around flammable liquids daily. These materials are essential to the job, but if not handled ...
Staying safe before you arrive on site
By Cotney Consulting Group. Driving safety tips for roofing professionals. Roofing is a demanding trade, full of high-risk tasks, from working at heights to handling hot materials and sharp tools. However, one of the most overlooked dangers in the roofing industry happens before the first ladder is even set, and it isn't ...
Step right: Preventing foot injuries in roofing
By Cotney Consulting Group. Step right, stay sharp and keep your crew on solid footing. Roofers rely on their feet more than most workers in the trades. Climbing ladders, walking uneven surfaces, balancing on steep slopes and carrying heavy materials start from the ground up. That's why foot safety isn't just a ...
The first line of defense: Using fire extinguishers safely on the jobsite
By Cotney Consulting Group. When a flame ignites, your extinguisher is the first line of defense, and your crew's safety depends on what happens in the next 30 seconds. Fire hazards are more common in the roofing industry than many contractors realize. Whether you're working with torches, hot asphalt, adhesives or electrical ...
Worn tires, real risks: Why contractors can't afford to ignore tire safety
By Cotney Consulting Group. The best way to protect your team on the job is to ensure they get there safely in the first place. In the contracting industry, job site safety usually brings fall protection, PPE or ladder safety to mind. But what about the drive to the site? For ...



