GAF announced an alliance with SLATOR, creator of a new safety device helping contractors to make the dangerous business of working on steep roofs safer and more efficient.
Falls are the leading cause of death for construction workers, with 39 percent from roof falls, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Fall protection is also the most frequently cited OSHA violation, which carries hefty fines. SLATOR helps to avoid these situations by offering an easier, faster and safer way to make roof repairs on asphalt or slate shingle roofs. The sturdy metal bracket bolts to a roof to serve as a secure ladder clamp and harness anchor point.
The red SLATOR Roof Bracket is ANSI certified and OSHA compliant, with the ability to hold up to 5,000 pounds—roughly the weight of a rhino or small truck—from a rooftop. The blue SLATOR-Mini is a smaller ladder clamp without the anchor feature.
“We invented the SLATOR to help us work better, work safer and work faster on steep slate and asphalt shingle roofs,” says SLATOR inventor Ronny Roseveare, a 20-year roofer and remodeler. “We’re very excited about our alliance with GAF and look forward to offering enhanced fall protection to GAF Master Elite, Master Select, Certified and Master Contractors across the country.”
After reading your article I realize even more why roof safety is so important. My brother-in-law works on roofs and he has talked about temporary edge protections helping him tremendously. Especially steep roofs, as you mentioned. I think anything that can help roofers stay safe while working is a great idea. I like to think my brother-in-law will be able to return home to his family everyday. Thanks for your information and keeping things safe when it comes to roofing.