Snowy Roofs—a Potential Hazard

Abstract

An accumulation of injuries and fatal accidents associated with shovelling snow from roofs was observed in the beginning of 1986 in Northern Sweden. Injury mechanisms and injury panorama are analyzed and preventive measures are suggested. Slipping on roofs or ladders, often caused by sliding snow, was a common cause of accident. Five subjects died of suffocation after having been buried under sliding snow. We would like to emphasize the importance of a co-worker when shovelling snow off roofs, of being well anchored by a safety-line and, if using a ladder, taking care that the ladder is well anchored and that the shovelling is not done on an ascent. Special snow conditions should also be noticed.