#AskCentiMark Series: Best practices to maintain a safe environment up on the roof.

Ready to explore the different elements of maintaining a safe and efficient commercial roof environment? In the latest edition of the #AskCentiMark series, we will review the best practices, training protocols, different ratings and career advice for commercial roof safety on the job site. 

We’re thrilled to introduce our safety industry professionals: Michael Litzenburger, Corporate Safety Manager in Pittsburgh, PA and Erin Ashley, Branch Safety Inspector in Atlanta, GA. Together they have years of experience and diverse backgrounds in safety applications and protocols providing insight on job site safety in commercial roofing for this blog.

1. Commercial roofing contractors strive to have great TRIR and EMR scores. Can you explain those and why they are important to customers?

Michael: Of course! The TRIR, or Total Recordable Incident Rate, measures the frequency of workplace-related injuries within a company compared to the industry average. At CentiMark, we always work diligently to ensure our crews and customers are in good hands and come home safe at the end of each day. Our consistently low TRIR is an indicator of that commitment!

Erin: That’s right! Another crucial metric is Experience Modification Rate (EMR), which insurance companies typically evaluate. Unlike TRIR, which is updated annually, EMR is calculated every three years and reflects a company’s past safety performance! A lower EMR means that there are fewer insurance claims and a better safety record, which can positively influence a customer’s decision when selecting a reliable roofing partner.

Michael: That is spot on. Insurance companies look at auto accidents, general liability incidents, flooding or burning of customers' buildings and more to determine the EMR rate. Essentially, the EMR rate is proof that we are a low-risk contractor, giving you peace of mind when hiring us.

2. What are the best practices for preventing accidents on a job site? 

Erin: My advice for anyone working or walking on a roof is to stay focused and look ahead at where you’re going, literally and figuratively! As a customer, if you are in charge of gathering quotes from roofing contractors for your project, you need to pay close attention to their approach and commitment to roof safety. As for CentiMark, before we even begin a project, we work with you to identify all additional concerns you might have during the project and tailor our safety plan accordingly. We prioritize clear communication with our field supervisors, quality control officers, branch managers and others to create a game plan in order to relieve any stress you might have. Once we have started working on your roof, we begin the inspection process, which sets a precedent for the safety measures we take throughout the project. Our inspection allows us to start preparing your building by establishing safety lines, marking off hazardous areas and taking precautionary measures to prevent any accidents that could occur during our project. The best thing we can do for the well-being of everyone involved in a roofing project is to proactively address safety from the beginning; it will make a significant difference in minimizing risks and ensuring a secure environment for everyone involved!

3. What regulations, training, innovations or standards has CentiMark implemented over the years to continuously improve job site safety, minimizing TRIR as a result? 

Mike: Over the years, we have been able to identify different hazards, learn from reported incidents in our industry and make significant strides in improving the safety and wellbeing of our crews. One key innovation has been the development of our Four-Way Anchor Plate, a type of fall protection anchor used in commercial roofing that has four connection points to increase a worker's range of motion, improving industry standards and engineering practices to become a crucial component of fall protection in many roofing projects today. By setting high safety standards and continuously seeking ways to improve our practices, we continue to strengthen our safety record and influence the industry as a whole, contributing to the well-being of everyone involved on the job site!

4. What is the safety training process like at CentiMark and how is it different from other commercial roofing contractors?

Erin: At the start of their CentiMark career, our associates are required to complete an in-depth, comprehensive new hire safety orientation. We first focus on the two biggest hazards in our industry: falls and ladders. Next, we look to the individual associates and what they need on the job by giving them their personal protective equipment, educating them on what it is and how to use it in order to safeguard them against any roofing hazards that might come up. Once they start working on the roof, we always make sure to go over an employee checklist and make sure our new hires are checked on repetitively until they feel as comfortable as possible up there! I think what truly sets CentiMark apart is how we go above and beyond in training our new hires for utmost safety and throughout the course of their career. For example, we have our associates look out for a different safety hazard each day, encouraging them to keep a fresh eye out for various potential hazards. Another element that makes CentiMark stand out in the industry is our heat program. With extreme temperatures, this program goes over what we can do as a company to keep our employees safe with breaks, hydration, heat protection and more. 

Mike: At CentiMark, we don’t train to check a box or because we have to. We train and continue to push safety measures on our employees so that it becomes second nature in their everyday work lives. 

5. Do you have any advice for those looking to jumpstart their roofing career and how they can ensure their safety and well-being?

Mike: Choosing to work for a company that prioritizes you and ensures you’re working in the best conditions possible is crucial for your well-being. At CentiMark, we do everything we can to make sure our crew members are comfortable and protected, have good working hours and are provided with the best benefits possible. Working for a team that does its best to make sure you go home safe at the end of each day is a necessity and is what sets us apart in the industry. 

Erin: I completely agree! I always tell new hires to be sponges and soak up everything in terms of paying attention. Each and every person on our team is a part of the solution and plays a huge role in their own safety and that of those around them.

6. There's a Safety and Risk professional for every 33 CentiMark associates, which is a pretty high number for the industry. How does this work?

Erin: Each individual has a big part in maintaining safety standards during a project. When people report to a project, we conduct Spot Check Inspections (SCI) on site, evaluating safety elements like perimeter and fall protection and addressing any issues. The results are then analyzed by branch management, field supervisors, safety specialists and many more who follow up with the crew to ensure any problems are resolved. Our Safety and Risk Compliance associates review these inspections in detail to catch any missed issues, helping us uphold high safety standards. At CentiMark, safety is a shared responsibility which involves everyone on site, in the local office and safety compliance team at our headquarters in Pennsylvania!

Michael: I totally agree that safety is a collective effort. The CentiMark approach involves equipping all team members with the right tools and expectations so we have as many eyes as possible looking out for potential hazards. From Erin’s inspection reviews to field supervisors’ spot checks, we ensure continuous safety monitoring and improvement. The teamwork and collaboration really helps us make sure we minimize or virtually eliminate any blindspots when it comes to safety and compliance.

About our panel: 

Erin Ashley

Branch Safety Inspector in Atlanta, GA

Erin has experience in many industries with diverse safety standards, from firefighting to criminal justice to construction and commercial roofing. With her vast experience in high-risk industries, she brings a unique perspective and drive to our industry, helping to prevent compromising situations and protect every single person on a job site.

Michael Litzenburger

Corporate Safety Manager in Pittsburgh, PA

Michael has been with CentiMark for over a decade, truly learning all aspects of commercial roofing, from material safety to construction and job site safety management! Over the course of his career, he has experienced the evolution of safety regulations, gear, equipment innovations and more. He is passionate about commercial roof safety and is always looking for new ways to improve the well-being of CentiMark's crews, as well as our customers.