Why do I need steep roof rope training? (U.S. Edition)

Steep roof training? What's the point of wasting time and money on it? I've been doing this job for over three years, and I've never had an accident while inspecting hundreds of steep roofs. I'm always careful in my work. Well, okay, this time I slipped and almost fell off the roof, but I managed to grab a piece of earthwork and stopped myself. So, technically, I didn't fall. However, before that, I got a great pair of these tricky single-roof waterproof boots, so now I can't slip or fall. I still stay cautious, though.

Famous words? Others here thought he never had an accident...

“When someone asked me how to best describe my experience at sea over the last 40 years, I just said there was nothing wrong. Of course, there were winter gales, storms, and fog, but all my experience, I’ve never been surprised by anything… I’ve seen it all, but I’ve been in distress at sea for many years. I’ve never seen wreckage, nor have I faced any past dilemma that threatened to end anything worth talking about. Type of disaster.”

“1907 Edward J. Smith, captain of the Titanic. Although we like to believe that falling from a roof will never happen to us, the reality is different. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that around 300,000 falls occur each year, resulting in 1,500 to 2,000 deaths among workers who fell from heights.”

Surveys show that workers often become complacent when using fall protection and mistakenly believe they won’t fall. This mindset can be dangerous.

Steep roofs are now the norm. In many new residential areas, roof slopes of 10/12, 12/12, or higher are common. With daily rates ranging from $175 to $300, and safety equipment needed to access steep roofs costing hundreds of dollars, it seems like an expensive but mostly unnecessary luxury. Let’s face it—many people are struggling financially, and we look closely at our discretionary spending. Let’s consider the cost of not getting proper training and safety gear.

Well, from minor to major… If you fall off a steep roof, you might not break anything, but your back could be in bad shape. You might need ice and heat treatment, some muscle therapy, and a few days of rest in exchange for a few ibuprofen. Maybe you can get a massage or visit an emergency room for some pain relief. I estimate that the cost of a good steep roof class and related safety equipment is well worth it.

Now let’s get more serious… If you fall and break bones—legs, arms, ribs, etc.—you’ll need an ambulance to the ER. Depending on where you are, it might even be a helicopter ride. Now we’re talking about serious expenses. Add plastic surgery, fracture reduction, possible surgery with pins and screws, and a few nights in the hospital. That’s a lot of costs. And don’t forget the lost wages and the rehab you’ll need afterward. I calculate that the cost of a good steep roof class and safety gear would save you thousands, not just for yourself, but for your family too.

Even more serious… If you fall and suffer severe neck or back injuries, you might end up in a wheelchair for life. You may lose control over basic functions and require full-time care. The financial and emotional toll is unimaginable. I can’t even count the cost of such an injury—short-term and long-term, including psychological effects.

Finally, the worst-case scenario… You fall off a steep roof and die. What does that mean for your family and friends? Your loved ones lose a primary income earner, a husband, father, and son. How do you measure the emotional cost? From funeral costs to sudden loss of income, insufficient life insurance, unexpected bills, and the absence of a father figure for your children. They miss out on important milestones—your child’s graduation, their wedding, and never meeting their own children. These are real consequences.

What do all these scenarios have in common? They can all be prevented with proper safety equipment and training. In the end, the choice is yours. Will you continue to risk your health and safety, or will you take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your future? Every time you go to a steep roof inspection, you make a choice—one that can change everything.

A serious injury or death is likely if you don’t take precautions when working at height. It’s not just about the cost—it’s about your life, your family, and your future.