Why roofing and crane operation are dangerous work

Working at heights and operating heavy machinery rank among the most hazardous jobs in the construction industry. Workers take on these risks every day to build and maintain the structures the public depends on. If an accident occurs, it helps to understand what injuries might happen and what options for compensation may be available.

What makes these trades so hazardous

Roofing and crane operation share a common thread: they are jobs that leave little room for mistakes. The nature of these jobs creates conditions that amplify risk in ways that differ from typical workplace settings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that roofing contractors and residential building construction recorded the highest number of fatal falls in 2022, with roughly 70% occurring among employees of companies with fewer than 10 employees.

Roofers spend their workdays on sloped and often unstable surfaces at significant heights. Weather might shift quickly and turn a routine job into a dangerous one. Rain or ice reduces traction, and strong wind may suddenly throw a roofer off balance on a moment’s notice.

Crane operators face a different set of challenges. They must work closely with ground crews while controlling loads that can weigh several tons. A mistake with hand signals or radio instructions might cause a load to swing into nearby workers or structures.

Accidents that can endanger workers on-site

The following accident types represent the most common threats to roofers and crane operators:

• Falls from heights: Workers on rooftops or crane platforms can be at risk when safety gear fails or slippery surfaces cause them to lose their balance. These falls may often lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding and even death.

• Struck-by and crushing incidents: Tools, materials or crane loads can drop and hit workers below, and a swinging crane boom can trap workers against nearby structures. These incidents can cause skull fractures, crushed limbs, internal organ damage, severe cuts and fatal injuries.

• Electrocution hazards: Cranes, metal roofing materials or tools can touch overhead power lines and send electricity through the equipment to workers. Electrocutions may lead to cardiac arrest, severe burns, nerve and muscle damage and can result in immediate death.

All three of these accidents can cause life-altering injuries that not only affect the worker’s ability to do their job but may also change how they function in their daily lives.

How California protects injured workers

In California, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance even if they only have a single employee. Businesses with no employees usually do not need coverage, but licensed C-39 roofing contractors are different: they must carry coverage at all times, even when workers are doing the job alone.

The state’s workers’ compensation system works on a no-fault basis. This means injured employees can receive benefits, such as temporary and permanent disability payments, without having to prove negligence. In exchange, they cannot file a civil lawsuit against their employer for workplace injuries in most cases.

The injured employee must report an injury as soon as possible and no later than 30 days. After the employer receives notice, they must give the employee a claim form within one working day. Once the employee returns the form, the claims administrator must approve up to ten thousand dollars in medical treatment within one working day while reviewing the claim.

Workers can reach out to attorneys who are familiar with workers’ comp to help them understand the process better and provide them with assistance, such as gathering evidence that can help the claim.