Leading roof systems manufacturer Marley, has launched its Winter Safety campaign to provide support and guidance for roofers as they navigate the challenges of the winter season.
UK roofers are experiencing significant impacts from the changing winter weather conditions, with research from Marley revealing that 60% are facing increased delays to projects, 54% are seeing projects go over budget, and 54% are having to re-plan work more often. Unfortunately, these impacts are leading to a rise in customer dissatisfaction, with 53% of roofers reporting an increase in complaints.
"A list of essential tips for winter roofing"
Dan Redfern, Marketing Communications Manager at Marley, stated: "Our goal with this campaign is to help roofers stay safe while continuing to deliver high-quality work throughout the winter. Whether it's offering practical safety tips or providing resources for winter weather preparedness, we want to ensure that roofers are equipped with everything they need to remain safe on site." To achieve this, Marley has compiled a list of essential tips for winter roofing, which roofers are encouraged to follow to mitigate winter-specific risks.
Roofers are advised to follow a few key guidelines to help minimize the risks associated with winter roofing.
Allow Extra Time
Firstly, due to the reduced daylight hours during winter, it's essential that roofers leave sufficient time to collect all tools and equipment and make their way safely to ground level before darkness falls. In some cases, it may be possible to work under artificial light, provided this is in line with the job-specific risk assessment and method statement (RAMS). Additionally, roofers should ensure they are wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for cold, wet, and windy conditions, including insulated clothing, suitable headgear, safety boots with good condition soles and uppers, and gloves designed for winter use.
Clear Snow & Ice First
To ensure safe working conditions, roofers should clear surfaces of snow and ice before accessing the roof. Where possible, it's often better to start work on the side of the roof facing the sun, as this is likely to defrost quicker and feel a few degrees warmer. Roofers should also be mindful of the risk of frostbite or hypothermia in extremely cold conditions and follow any guidance provided in tool box talks or similar on working in cold conditions. Marley is also giving away 500 branded insulated mugs, along with a £5 Costa Coffee voucher, to help support roofers during the winter months.
Supporting Roofers
In addition to providing safety advice, Marley's campaign aims to provide the tools and knowledge roofers need to face the challenges of winter head-on. As Dan Redfern adds: "We know that the winter months can be particularly tough on roofers, but with the right planning and precautions, roofing can continue safely and successfully. Our campaign is about providing the support and resources roofers need to overcome these challenges and deliver high-quality work throughout the winter."
Find out more at www.marley.co.uk/wintersafety
