Safety Tips by Cotney
Why first aid readiness matters in roofing
By Cotney Consulting Group. Being prepared with the proper first aid knowledge and equipment can differentiate between a minor incident and a major emergency. Roofing is one of the construction industry's most physically demanding and high-risk trades. Whether a slip on a steep pitch, a burn from hot bitumen or a nail ...
A roofer's guide to chemical exposure prevention
By Cotney Consulting Group. Don't overlook this invisible — and potentially deadly — threat. When most people think of roofing hazards, they picture high ladders, steep slopes and fall protection systems. However, chemical exposure is one of the more invisible — and often overlooked — threats to a roofing job site. From ...
Best practices for lift truck safety in roofing
By Cotney Consulting Group. By training operators properly, conducting regular inspections, respecting load limits and staying aware of surroundings, contractors can create a safer, more efficient job site. In the roofing industry, efficiency and safety go hand in hand — and nowhere is this more apparent than in industrial lift ...
Confined space dangers every roofer should know
By Cotney Consulting Group. Confined spaces demand more than common sense, requiring planning, training and humility. In the roofing world, most focus understandably revolves around what’s above our heads—weather, heights, slopes and safety harnesses. But some of the deadliest hazards aren’t high above; they’re deep inside. Confined spaces present a unique and ...
Keeping pedestrians safe around roofing sites
By Cotney Consulting Group. Being proactive about pedestrian safety shows you're committed to quality work and caring about the people around you. When we think about roofing safety, our minds often go straight to harnesses, ladders, fall protection and heat stress. However, another area deserves just as much attention: the safety of ...
Roofing safety starts with jobsite evaluation
By Cotney Consulting Group. Safety is not a burden — it's a competitive advantage. A safe roofing crew is more efficient, confident and trusted by clients. Getting caught up in production — materials, deadlines, labor coordination and client expectations is easy in the roofing business. But before the first shingle is lifted, ...
The critical role of injury reporting in roofing safety
By Cotney Consulting Group. Roofing contractors can build safer job sites, support their teams and run stronger businesses by fostering a culture of open, honest reporting. In the fast-paced roofing world, brushing off a minor scrape or a twisted ankle is easy. After all, roofers are a tough breed, used to working ...
An emergency readiness guide for roofing teams
By Cotney Consulting Group. A well-thought-out action plan, with proper training and clear communication, can significantly reduce the impact of emergencies. Emergencies are an unavoidable part of any job site, especially in roofing. While it's impossible to eliminate all risks, having a well-developed emergency action plan and properly trained workers can significantly ...
Integrating new roofers with safety in mind
By Cotney Consulting Group. Tips on helping the “The Rookie” become a safety-conscious member of your roofing team. No matter how long you've been in the roofing business, we all started as the “The Rookie” at some point. Unfortunately, new employees are at a greater risk of accidents, especially within their first ...
Safety first: Managing crane operations near power lines on roofing sites
By Cotney Consulting Group. Proactive safety measures and clear communication on the job site are vital in preventing accidents. Operating cranes near overhead power lines is a common necessity in roofing projects but poses significant electrocution risks. Proper planning, training and implementing safety protocols are crucial to protect workers and prevent accidents. ...



