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Safety Tips by Cotney
Extension cord safety for roofers
By Cotney Consulting Group. An extension cord is a simple piece of equipment, but like everything on a roof, it can hurt you if you are careless with it. Every roofing crew uses extension cords for power tools, compressors and generators. But they’re also one of the most overlooked hazards on a ...
General construction safety principles: The core practices every outdoor trade should follow
By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. Getting the fundamentals right is what separates disciplined contractors from the rest. Across the outdoor living industry, every contractor has their specialty — tile setting, hardscape, pool and spa, landscaping, lighting, sports surfaces, agronomics and general maintenance. Each trade has its own techniques, tools and ...
Clean sites prevent falls and fines: Housekeeping essentials for roofing crews
By Cotney Consulting Group. On a roof, there's no room for clutter — only for safe steps, sharp work and solid results. In the roofing industry, conversations about safety often focus on fall protection equipment, weather conditions or material handling. However, one of the most consistent and controllable hazards across any roofing ...
The slips nobody plans for: Winter fall hazards that catch roofing crews off guard
By Cotney Consulting Group. Cold weather demands a different pace, different planning and different expectations Most roofing companies prepare for winter by considering shorter days, material limitations and weather delays. What often gets less attention is how cold weather quietly changes jobsite conditions, making slips and falls more likely. Winter falls ...
Combat repetitive stress at work
By Cotney Consulting Group. Working hard shouldn’t mean hurting harder. With the right approach, your team can stay strong, productive and pain-free In the roofing industry, the focus on safety often centers around high-risk hazards like falls, heat stress or electrical shocks. But another threat creeps in quietly, one motion at ...
Turning safety rules into personal responsibility
MCS Influencer John Kenney says that, at the end of the day, safety and workforce culture are inseparable. Safety in metal construction isn’t just about rules, PPE or checking boxes on a form. Those things matter, but they’re not what keep people safe when conditions change, schedules tighten or pressure shows ...
Fleet safety starts with maintenance: Why roofing contractors can't ignore vehicle care
By Cotney Consulting Group. In roofing, your tools may be on the roof, but your first step toward safety is the ride that gets you there. Roofing is a high-risk business; most safety conversations focus on what happens on the roof. However, many contractors overlook one of the most critical links ...
Hydration and heat illness awareness for roofers
By Cotney Consulting Group. The key isn’t waiting for heat illness to strike. It’s building a culture of prevention from day one. Roofing in hot weather is more than just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. With high temperatures, direct sun exposure and physically demanding labor, roofers face serious risks from heat-related illnesses. ...
Roof smart: Why common sense is your first line of safety
By Cotney Consulting Group. On every roof, every day, thinking ahead is the first step toward safety. When considering roofing safety, you might jump straight to harnesses, hard hats, warning lines and OSHA standards. While those are all critical components, there's one safety tool that doesn't get enough credit: common sense. ...
Safe use of flammables in roofing
By Cotney Consulting Group. With preparation, awareness and discipline, you can keep the spark in your work — not your job site. From torch-down systems and asphalt kettles to power tools and cleaning solvents, roofing crews work around flammable liquids daily. These materials are essential to the job, but if not handled ...
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