Roofer Injuries

Roofing in South Florida can be extremely dangerous work. Not only are workers in West Palm Beach and throughout South Florida at risk of hazards affecting workers across the country, but they are also at risk of serious heat-related injuries due to long hours in the Florida sun. When a roofer suffers an injury on the job, it is critical to find out more about filing a workers’ compensation claim. An experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm can assist you with a roofing injury case.

Understanding Roofing Work and Injury Risks

In order to understand some of the injury risks for roofers, it is important to learn more about the type of work that roofers commonly do. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are some of the most common duties for roofers in Florida, including those who work for construction companies and those who do stand-alone roofing work:

• Inspecting roofs to assess them for repairs;
• Measuring roofs to order materials;
• Replacing damaged parts of roofs;
• Removing existing roofs;
• Installing roofing materials, which may include shingles, asphalt, clay, or metal;
• Installing roofing ventilation;
• Installing roofing insulation;
• Building roofs on new constructions;
• Cutting roofing materials before placing them on the roof; and
• Repairing damaged roofs or covering exposed nails.

In South Florida and elsewhere, roofers may also do work on “green” roofs and roofing materials, which may include installing solar panels or solar tiles, or handling and installing other “green” roofing materials.

Getting the Facts About Roofer Injuries

 Since roofers do most of their work at high heights, they are at common risk of fall-related injuries, tool and machine-related injuries, as well as injuries caused by exposure to roofing chemicals, sun, and heat. According to the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, roofing injuries and fatalities have risen in recent years. In 2019, for example, there were more than 100 roofing worker fatalities, and roofers have one of the highest fatal injury rates of all workers in varying industries. In addition, Hispanic and Latinx roofers have a particularly high rate of roofing work injuries.

How Roofers Can Seek Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you were working as a roofer at the time of a workplace accident that resulted in an injury, you could be eligible for compensation through the workers’ compensation system. In Florida, the workers’ compensation can pay for your medical care, a percentage of your lost wages, and certain disability benefits.

To be eligible for workers’ compensation, a roofing injury must be reported to your employer within 30 days from the date it occurred. Then, you will need to seek medical attention. If you require emergency care immediately after the accident, you can see any provider. For subsequent treatment and ongoing medical care, you should find out which providers have been approved by your employer or the insurer.

Contact a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney

After a roofing injury at work, it is critical to seek advice from a lawyer who can help you with your workers’ compensation claim. One of the experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. can speak with you today about seeking compensation for your injuries.

Sources:

bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/roofers.htm

iibec.org/roofing-fatalities-up-15-in-2019/#:~:text=The%20National%20Census%20of%20Fatal,of%20the%20most%20dangerous%20professions

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440ContentsIndex.html