How to Find Safe Commercial Roofing Contractors or Companies

When you're a business owner, the safety of your employees and customers is top priority. Whether your business needs roof repair, replacement or is new construction, finding roofers you can trust is critical.However, with the number of roofing companies available, it can be tough to make a decision. The following guidelines will help you narrow down your choices and find safe commercial roofing contractors.

• Ask for proof of insurance. Every contractor should have both worker's compensation and public liability insurance policies. These polices protect both your business and the contractors. Proof of up-to-date insurance policies should be readily available upon request.
• Request a copy of OSHA form 300A. This form is the company's "Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses." A low rate of work-related injuries is a good indication of adherence to safety policies and procedures.
• Check the Experience Modification Rate (EMR). The EMR is a comparison of worker's compensation claims between businesses in the same industry. A rating below 1.0 indicates a lower than average claim rate which is also an indication of a higher level of workplace safety.
• Search the OSHA database. The OSHA website has a handy search feature where you can see if there are any cases or violations against a particular business. However, there are two important things to keep in mind. First, many businesses have similar names so it's important to look at other indentifying factors, such as the company's address, to ensure you are looking at the correct company's results. Second, while a case is open, new events and updates are entered and are subject to correction or deletion until the case is closed. So if you are searching for a company and find an open case, keep in mind not all the facts will be in and a decision will not be final until the case is closed.
• Ask about safety policy and enforcement. The roofing contractor should have someone who is in charge of safety policy and enforcement, such as safety director. Ask to speak with this person and then ask how safety policies are enforced. It's also a good idea to request a copy of the company's safety loss control manual as well as the substance abuse policy. Finally, ask what the process is for conducting a job hazard analysis and developing appropriate countermeasures.
• Ask for safety credentials of team members. Your contractors should be licensed but should also have some form of safety credentials, such as certifications of training, completion of OSHA training programs, familiarity with the use of Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) and other safety equipment and procedures.
• Ask for references. Another way to see how phoenix roofing companies handle safety is to ask for a short list of recent projects similar to yours where hazards were encountered along with an explanation of how they were successfully handled.

While this to-do list may seem excessive, when it comes to safety, being thorough is well worth it. Taking the time to ensure you choose a safe roofing contractor will help ensure the roof over your head - and your customers' - is a safe one. For more information visit: thomasroofingaz.com/

Ros Aashley the author of this article is a devoted and seasoned writer. She has written a lot of articles especially on home decor and flooring.