Navigating the Latest OSHA Changes
What Roofing Professionals Need to Know in 2025
by Stephen Zasadil, WSRCA Safety Consultant, President, SNK Services LLC
(Editor’s Note: Stephen Zasadil spent ten years as a safety of flight operator with the United States Navy before beginning his career as a safety compliance consultant in 2009. He currently works with companies across the United States to provide OSHA compliance information, documentation, and training.)
The roofing industry has always been one where safety and efficiency walk hand in hand. With evolving regulations, it is crucial for contractors, foremen, and workers alike to stay ahead of the curve. Over the past year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rolled out significant updates that impact roofing operations nationwide. This article will dive into the most relevant changes, focusing on the newly adopted Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) fit standards and updated heat illness prevention rules. Understanding these updates will not only help you stay compliant but also protect your crew and bottom line.
Roofing professionals know that PPE can be the last line of defense against workplace hazards. However, until recently, there was a gap in regulations ensuring PPE fit properly for all workers. In 2024, OSHA amended 29 CFR 1926.95(c) to clarify that PPE must fit each employee properly. This change closes a critical safety loophole, especially for women and smaller-statured workers who have historically been provided with ill-fitting protective equipment.
Properly fitting PPE is now more than a best practice, it’s a compliance requirement. Roofing companies must: provide PPE that is appropriately sized for all workers, reassess existing PPE inventory for fit compliance, update training programs to include the importance of proper PPE fit, and perform periodic checks to ensure all PPE remains in good condition and properly adjusted.
This rule affects everything from fall protection harnesses to gloves, safety vests, and hard hats. For example, a harness that doesn’t fit snugly can fail to distribute forces properly during a fall, increasing the risk of injury. Similarly, oversized gloves can lead to decreased dexterity and an increased chance of tool-related accidents. By investing time in proper PPE fitting procedures, employers can significantly reduce accident rates and improve productivity.
As temperatures continue to rise nationwide, OSHA has intensified its focus on protecting workers from heat-related illnesses. The roofing industry, with its high exposure to direct sunlight and reflective surfaces, is particularly vulnerable. OSHA’s new Indoor and Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention rules, codified under 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(5), have raised the bar for compliance.
Written Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP): Employers must develop and implement a written HIPP tailored to site-specific conditions. This plan should include: procedures for providing adequate water, rest, and shade, emergency response protocols for heat illness incidents, and contingency plans for heatwave conditions, which are becoming more frequent. New workers or those returning after time away must be gradually acclimated to working in the heat, with adjusted workloads for at least seven to 14 days. Supervisors should monitor these workers closely and adjust schedules as needed.
Employers must implement procedures for observing workers for signs of heat illness during high-heat periods, defined as temperatures exceeding 80°F (26.7°C). Technological tools, such as wearable heat monitors, can support supervisors in managing worker safety. During peak heat hours, roofing teams should have extended rest breaks in shaded areas and access to cool hydration stations.
While fall protection has long been a critical concern, OSHA and certain state programs have fine-tuned their requirements. California maintains a 15-foot trigger height for most residential roofing work under Title 8, Section 1730. For steeper roofs (slopes exceeding 7:12), fall protection may be required regardless of height. Oregon and Washington have adopted stricter trigger heights and now require site-specific fall protection plans with detailed equipment inspections and training.
These state-level changes highlight the need for multi-state roofing companies to stay vigilant about varying requirements. Adopting best practices from the strictest regulations can standardize safety procedures across regions.
OSHA updated its recordkeeping rules under 29 CFR 1904, expanding the scope of businesses required to submit injury and illness data electronically. For roofing companies, this means: ensuring OSHA 300 logs are up to date, reviewing reporting procedures for work-related injuries, understanding the new submission deadlines to avoid penalties, and analyzing trends in incident data to inform future safety initiatives.
Beyond compliance, these updates serve as a blueprint for safer, more productive job sites. Properly fitting PPE reduces injury rates and increases confidence. Heat illness prevention measures protect lives and reduce downtime. Up-to-date fall protection practices ensure workers return home safely each day.
The roofing industry can be challenging, but these regulations are tools, not burdens, to help your team thrive. As OSHA continues to refine safety standards, staying informed and adaptable remains the best strategy for long-term success.
The roofing industry sits at a crossroads of tradition and innovation. Embracing regulatory changes isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it’s about leading by example. By implementing these latest OSHA updates, roofing professionals can ensure safer worksites, healthier teams, and stronger businesses. Stay proactive. Stay compliant. Most importantly, stay safe.
