Roofing is one of the most hazardous occupations in the construction industry. Roofers are exposed to various risks, such as falls, electrocutions, burns, cuts, and injuries from tools and materials. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roofers had a fatal injury rate of 51.5 per 100,000 workers in 2019, which was more than 10 times higher than the average rate for all occupations1.
Therefore, it is essential for roofers and contractors to follow the roofing safety standards in New Jersey, which are designed to protect the health and welfare of the workers and the public. In this blog post, we will explain what the roofing safety standards in New Jersey are, why they are important, and how to comply with them.
Key Takeaways
- Roofing safety standards in New Jersey are the rules and regulations that govern the design, materials, construction, and quality of roof assemblies and rooftop structures.
- Roofing safety standards in New Jersey are based on the UCC, the IBC-NJ, the OSHA standards, and the IBHS guidelines.
- Roofing safety standards in New Jersey are important for ensuring the quality and safety of roofs, protecting the health and welfare of workers and the public, and complying with the state and federal laws and regulations.
- Roofing contractors and employers should follow the roofing safety standards in New Jersey by obtaining the necessary permits, licenses, and certifications, following the technical standards and specifications, and implementing the safety and health measures and practices.
- RGB Construction is the best roofing company in New Jersey that follows the roofing safety standards in New Jersey.
Comparison Table: Roofing Safety Standards in New Jersey vs. Other States
| State | UCC | IBC | OSHA | IBHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | Yes | 2018 IBC-NJ | Yes | Yes |
| New York | No | 2015 IBC-NY | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | 2015 IBC-PA | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes | 2018 IBC-DE | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes | 2018 IBC-MD | Yes | Yes |
Brick home with red wood door and three car garage
What are the roofing safety standards in New Jersey?
The roofing safety standards in New Jersey are the rules and regulations that govern the design, materials, construction, and quality of roof assemblies and rooftop structures. The roofing safety standards in New Jersey are based on the following sources:
- The New Jersey State Uniform Construction Code (UCC), which is a complete set of technical standards for construction with a uniform method of administration and enforcement in order to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare. The UCC establishes clear and predictable requirements for construction throughout New Jersey. There are no separate, local requirements2.
- The 2018 International Building Code, New Jersey Edition (IBC-NJ), which is a model code that provides minimum requirements for the design and construction of roof assemblies and rooftop structures. The IBC-NJ addresses the weather-protective barrier at the roof and, in most circumstances, a fire-resistant barrier. The IBC-NJ is largely prescriptive in nature and is based on decades of experience with various traditional materials, but it also recognizes newer products such as photovoltaic shingles3.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which are federal regulations that set the minimum safety and health requirements for employers and employees in the construction industry. OSHA standards cover topics such as fall protection, electrical safety, fire prevention, personal protective equipment, and hazard communication4.
- The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) guidelines, which are voluntary recommendations that provide best practices for the design and installation of roof assemblies and rooftop structures. IBHS guidelines aim to improve the performance and durability of roofs and reduce the risk of damage from natural hazards such as wind, hail, fire, and water5.
Why are the roofing safety standards in New Jersey important?
The roofing safety standards in New Jersey are important for several reasons, such as:
- They ensure the quality and safety of roof assemblies and rooftop structures, which are vital components of any building. Roofs protect the building and its occupants from the elements, such as rain, snow, sun, and wind. Roofs also provide insulation, ventilation, and aesthetics to the building. Roofs that are poorly designed, installed, or maintained can cause leaks, structural damage, mold growth, fire hazards, and energy loss.
- They protect the health and welfare of the workers and the public, who may be exposed to various hazards during the roofing process. Roofing involves working at heights, using power tools and equipment, handling flammable and toxic materials, and dealing with extreme weather conditions. Roofing accidents can result in serious injuries, fatalities, property damage, and lawsuits.
- They comply with the state and federal laws and regulations, which are mandatory for all roofing contractors and employers in New Jersey. Roofing contractors and employers who fail to follow the roofing safety standards in New Jersey may face fines, penalties, citations, and legal actions from the authorities and the customers. Roofing contractors and employers who follow the roofing safety standards in New Jersey may benefit from lower insurance premiums, fewer claims, and higher customer satisfaction.
Brick home in suburbs with front door columns
How to comply with the roofing safety standards in New Jersey?
To comply with the roofing safety standards in New Jersey, roofing contractors and employers should do the following:
- Obtain the necessary permits, licenses, and certifications from the state and local authorities before starting any roofing project. Roofing contractors and employers should check the requirements and procedures for obtaining the permits, licenses, and certifications from the Department of Community Affairs, the Division of Codes and Standards, and the local construction officials2.
- Follow the technical standards and specifications for roof assemblies and rooftop structures as prescribed by the UCC and the IBC-NJ. Roofing contractors and employers should use the appropriate materials, methods, and products for the roofing project, and ensure that they meet the minimum requirements for fire resistance, wind resistance, water resistance, and energy efficiency23.
- Implement the safety and health measures and practices as required by OSHA and recommended by IBHS. Roofing contractors and employers should provide adequate training, supervision, and communication to the workers, and ensure that they use the proper personal protective equipment, tools, and equipment. Roofing contractors and employers should also identify, eliminate, or control the potential hazards and risks at the worksite, such as falls, electrocutions, burns, cuts, and injuries45.
FAQs: Roofing Safety Standards in New Jersey
Q: What is the UCC and how does it affect roofing in New Jersey?
A: The UCC is the New Jersey State Uniform Construction Code, which is a complete set of technical standards for construction with a uniform method of administration and enforcement in order to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare. The UCC establishes clear and predictable requirements for construction throughout New Jersey. There are no separate, local requirements. The UCC affects roofing in New Jersey by setting the minimum requirements for the design, materials, construction, and quality of roof assemblies and rooftop structures. The UCC also requires roofing contractors and employers to obtain the necessary permits, licenses, and certifications from the state and local authorities before starting any roofing project.
Q: What is the IBC and how does it affect roofing in New Jersey?
A: The IBC is the International Building Code, which is a model code that provides minimum requirements for the design and construction of roof assemblies and rooftop structures. The IBC addresses the weather-protective barrier at the roof and, in most circumstances, a fire-resistant barrier. The IBC is largely prescriptive in nature and is based on decades of experience with various traditional materials, but it also recognizes newer products such as photovoltaic shingles. The IBC affects roofing in New Jersey by providing the technical standards and specifications for roof assemblies and rooftop structures, such as fire resistance, wind resistance, water resistance, and energy efficiency. The IBC also requires roofing contractors and employers to use the appropriate materials, methods, and products for the roofing project, and ensure that they meet the minimum requirements.
Q: What are the OSHA standards and how do they affect roofing in New Jersey?
A: The OSHA standards are the federal regulations that set the minimum safety and health requirements for employers and employees in the construction industry. OSHA standards cover topics such as fall protection, electrical safety, fire prevention, personal protective equipment, and hazard communication. The OSHA standards affect roofing in New Jersey by requiring roofing contractors and employers to provide adequate training, supervision, and communication to the workers, and ensure that they use the proper personal protective equipment, tools, and equipment. The OSHA standards also require roofing contractors and employers to identify, eliminate, or control the potential hazards and risks at the worksite, such as falls, electrocutions, burns, cuts, and injuries.
Q: What are the IBHS guidelines and how do they affect roofing in New Jersey?
A: The IBHS guidelines are the voluntary recommendations that provide best practices for the design and installation of roof assemblies and rooftop structures. IBHS guidelines aim to improve the performance and durability of roofs and reduce the risk of damage from natural hazards such as wind, hail, fire, and water. The IBHS guidelines affect roofing in New Jersey by providing roofing contractors and employers with tips and advice on how to choose the best roofing materials and products that suit the needs and preferences of the customers. The IBHS guidelines also provide roofing contractors and employers with techniques and methods on how to install, repair, and maintain the roofs according to the industry standards and best practices.
Q: How can I find a roofing contractor in New Jersey that follows the roofing safety standards in New Jersey?
A: You can find a roofing contractor in New Jersey that follows the roofing safety standards in New Jersey by doing some research and asking some questions. You should look for a roofing contractor that has the following qualities: experience and reputation in the roofing industry; licensing and insurance to protect you and your property; credentials and certifications from reputable roofing manufacturers; quality products and materials that suit your needs and preferences; fair and transparent pricing and warranty policies; and excellent customer service and communication skills. You should also check the reviews and ratings of the roofing contractor from previous customers and third-party sources. RGB Construction is the best roofing contractor in New Jersey that follows the roofing safety standards in New Jersey and has all these qualities and more.
Q: How can I contact RGB Construction for my roofing needs?
A: You can contact RGB Construction for your roofing needs by calling 856-264-9093 or filling out the form online. RGB Construction is your local company, no matter where in New Jersey the project is located. RGB Construction prides themselves on honesty, integrity, professionalism and ethics that are above reproach. When RGB Construction is working on your home, they look at it as if they are working on their own home, giving you the same outstanding treatment they would for their own family. RGB Construction will provide you with a free estimate, a consultation, and a proposal for your roofing project. RGB Construction will also answer any questions or concerns you may have about their services, products, or company. Contact RGB Construction today and see why they are the best roofing company in New Jersey.
Front view of suburban home with arched entry
Facts and Statistics: Roofing Safety in New Jersey
- According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, there were 13 fatal occupational injuries in the roofing industry in New Jersey from 2015 to 2019, with an average of 2.6 fatalities per year.
- According to the New Jersey Department of Health, there were 1,012 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the roofing industry in New Jersey in 2019, with an incidence rate of 4.8 per 100 full-time workers.
- According to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, there were 2,841 permits issued for roof replacement in New Jersey in 2020, with a total construction value of $67,914,000.
- According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average annual electricity consumption for a New Jersey household was 7,092 kilowatt hours (kWh) in 2019, the 10th lowest in the nation. The average annual electricity expenditure for a New Jersey household was $1,405 in 2019, the 14th highest in the nation.
- According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average homeowners insurance premium in New Jersey was $1,209 in 2018, the 15th highest in the nation. The average homeowners insurance claim in New Jersey was $11,531 in 2018, the 9th highest in the nation.
Conclusion
Roofing safety standards in New Jersey are the rules and regulations that govern the design, materials, construction, and quality of roof assemblies and rooftop structures. They are based on the UCC, the IBC-NJ, the OSHA standards, and the IBHS guidelines. They are important for ensuring the quality and safety of roofs, protecting the health and welfare of workers and the public, and complying with the state and federal laws and regulations. Roofing contractors and employers should follow the roofing safety standards in New Jersey by obtaining the necessary permits, licenses, and certifications, following the technical standards and specifications, and implementing the safety and health measures and practices.
If you are looking for a roofing contractor in New Jersey that follows the roofing safety standards in New Jersey, look no further than RGB Construction, the best roofing company in New Jersey. RGB Construction has the skills, experience, and reputation to handle any roofing project, big or small, residential or commercial. RGB Construction has the credentials, the products, and the customer service that set them apart from the rest. RGB Construction offers free estimates, financing options, lifetime warranty on premium products, and the most 5 Star Customer Reviews in the Region.
Contact RGB Construction today by calling 856-264-9093 or filling out the form online for your roofing needs. RGB Construction is your local company, no matter where in New Jersey the project is located. RGB Construction prides themselves on honesty, integrity, professionalism and ethics that are above reproach. When RGB Construction is working on your home, they look at it as if they are working on their own home, giving you the same outstanding treatment they would for their own family. Thank you for choosing RGB Construction, the best roofing company in New Jersey.
