Roofing Safety

Many roofers suffer career-ending and life-altering injuries from falls. Most of these incidents happened because either fall protection measures were not in place or fall protection equipment was not used. As well, roofing work may include forceful exertion, awkward positions, contact stress, and repetitive tasks that may all add up over time to result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).


In Ontario, employers are required to provide workers with fall-protection training if the workers will be exposed to fall hazards. Construction workers who could use a fall protection system must meet the working at heights training requirements of Ontario Regulation 297/13.

There must be a barrier at least two metres (six feet) from the perimeter of the roof when a built-up roof is being constructed. Barriers must include portable weighted posts supporting a stiff chain, cable or rope that is 1.1 metres above the roof level.

Pipes bringing hot tar or bitumen to a roof must be secured and supported to prevent any bending. When hot tar or bitumen is discharged within two metres of a roof`s edge, there must guardrails must at the edge.

When using a hoist,

  • install a guardrail on both sides of the frame at the edge of the roof,
  • the cable must be continuously vertical while hoisting a load, and
  • operators must be competent to perform the assigned roofing work.

Counterweights on a roofer’s hoist must:

  • be suitable for the purpose,
  • not be made of roofing or other construction material,
  • be securely attached to the hoist, and
  • prevent against any overturning with a safety factor of three or higher.

In addition to the specific construction legislation referenced above, working on roofs can present a large variety of hazards and can require a variety of safety measures. Please review legislation and legislative responsibilities around relevant hazards or situations such as:

  • musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs),
  • heat stress,
  • hazardous weather conditions,
  • anchor systems,
  • openings,
  • suspended access,
  • ladders,
  • scaffolding,
  • fall protection equipment,
  • guardrails,
  • safety working with propane, and
  • personal protective equipment for hands, feet, skin and eyes.

Construction Projects
O. Reg. 213/91

Part II GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Section 207

207. (1) If a built-up roof is being constructed, repaired or resurfaced, a barrier shall be placed in the immediate work area at least two metres from the perimeter of the roof.

(2) The barrier shall consist of portable weighted posts supporting a taut chain, cable or rope that is located 1.1 metres above the roof level.

Section 208

208. (1) A pipe that supplies hot tar or bitumen to a roof shall be securely fixed and supported to prevent its deflection.

(2) If a pipe discharges hot tar or bitumen two metres or less from the edge of a roof, a guardrail shall be provided at the edge of the roof.

[O. Reg. 142/17, s. 24]

Section 209

209. (1) A hoist used on a roof,

(a) shall have a guardrail installed on both sides of the frame at the edge of the roof; and

(b) shall be positioned in such a way that the hoist cable is vertical at all times while a load is being hoisted.

(2) Only a competent worker shall operate a hoist used on a roof.

Section 210

210. The counterweights on a roofer's hoist,

(a) shall be suitable for the purpose;

(b) shall not consist of roofing or other construction material;

(c) shall be securely attached to the hoist; and

(d) shall provide a safety factor against overturning of not less than three.

Hot Tar or Bitumen Road Tankers