Comparison of risk factors for falls from height between commercial and residential roofers.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this investigation was to compare commercial roofers and residential roofers in terms of their behaviors, beliefs, working conditions, and attitudes toward the use of fall protection devices, which could lead to fall accidents.


METHODS
A cross-sectional sample of 252 roofers participated in the survey in the Midwest (Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa).


RESULTS
Residential roofers were more likely to fall (prevalence ratio = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.58, 3.29) [corrected] than commercial roofers. Race/ethnicity, company size, work type, existence [corrected] of fall protection programs, enforcement of fall protection device use, actual use of fall protection devices, years of experience as a roofer, and perceived level of safety at roofing sites were [corrected] significantly associated with fall accidents.


CONCLUSIONS
This study adds insight into fall accidents from roofs in the construction industry and provides industry-specific cautions against fall accidents that can be reflected in regulatory agency implementation.
Sa
Jaesin
J
Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
Seo
Dong-Chul
DC
Choi
Sang D
SD
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors