“Not saying everyone’s always tuned in, but I’ve noticed fewer shortcuts when people know they’ll be talking about it the next morning.”
That’s been my experience too. When the crew knows we’ll actually bring up what went sideways yesterday, folks seem to pay more attention—at least for a while. It’s not magic, but it does help keep safety on everyone’s mind. And yeah, weather throws a wrench in things. Even with all the right gear and talks, a slick roof is still risky... sometimes you just have to call it for the day.
Yeah, I’ve noticed that too—when we know there’s gonna be a debrief, people double-check their harnesses and tie-offs more. Still, I’ve seen guys slip even with everything clipped in, especially when the roof’s got frost or wet leaves. Sometimes it’s just not worth pushing through if the surface is sketchy. Maybe we need more say in calling off work when it feels off?
You make a good point about the surface conditions—honestly, that’s where I see the most issues crop up, not with the harnesses themselves. Even when everyone’s double-checking gear, if the roof is slick with frost or leaves, you’re just rolling the dice. I’ve had to call off work more than once because I knew it wasn’t worth the risk, even if it meant pushing back the timeline.
Here’s how I try to handle it: first, I walk the site myself—if it feels sketchy under my boots, I trust that instinct and don’t let anyone up there until it’s safe. Second, I make sure everyone knows they can speak up if they’re not comfortable, no judgment. Sometimes folks are worried about holding up the job, but honestly, dealing with an injury is way worse than a delay. Last thing I’ll say—document those calls. If you stop work because of safety, jot it down. That way, there’s backup for your decision if anyone questions it later.
At the end of the day, no deadline is worth someone getting hurt.
- 100% agree—surface conditions are usually the real culprit, not the harnesses.
- I’ve seen plenty of sites where the gear checks out, but the roof’s got a thin layer of dew or a patch of moss. Doesn’t matter how careful you are, one wrong step and you’re sliding.
- I always check for loose granules or soft spots too. Sometimes a shingle looks fine but gives way underfoot, especially if it’s older or there’s been recent rain.
- Good call on encouraging folks to speak up. Some crews I’ve worked with still have that “tough it out” mindset, which just isn’t worth it.
- Documentation is key—had a GC try to pin a delay on me once until I showed my notes about unsafe conditions. That shut it down quick.
- Only thing I’d add: sometimes the pressure to keep moving comes from higher up, not the crew. Having clear records helps protect everyone, not just the folks on the roof.
- At the end of the day, I’d rather deal with an annoyed client than someone getting airlifted off a job site. Deadlines come and go... safety doesn’t.
Had a similar scare a few years back—brand new harness, but the morning dew made the whole roof feel like ice. Honestly, I think folks underestimate how fast things can go sideways even with all the right gear. Sometimes it’s not about being tough, it’s about being smart and knowing when to call it. I’d rather eat the cost of a delay than risk someone’s neck.
