Roofing JHA: job hazard analysis example and generator

A roofing JHA breaks a re-roof or new roof into steps and lists the hazards, controls and 29 CFR 1926 references for each one. The steps run from roof access and anchors through tear-off, underlayment, shingles and flashing to cleanup. Falls are the biggest hazard. In residential construction, Subpart M requires fall protection at 6 feet.

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Draft only. Every JHA is a draft and must be reviewed by a competent person for the specific site before work begins. JHABox is not affiliated with OSHA or the US Department of Labor.

In Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2024, roofers had the highest fatal-injury rate of any construction occupation charted: 48.7 per 100,000 full-time workers, compared with 3.3 for all workers. Fall protection (1926.501) also tops OSHA’s preliminary fiscal year 2026 list of the 10 most-cited standards. A general contractor (GC) will look hardest at how you get on the roof, how you tie off, and what happens below the eave.

Common roofing hazards

Falls from roof edges, ladders and through skylights or rotten decking
Debris, bundles and tools falling from the roof
Contact with overhead service drops and power lines
Nail-gun injuries and air-hose hazards
Heat illness on hot roof surfaces
Fire during torch-applied roofing

Sample roofing hazard table

Sample from the JHABox roofing library. Example task: “Tear-off and re-shingle, 6/12 pitch, single-story” at a Florida address. Showing 5 of 11 steps.

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#	Job step	Potential hazards	Risk before controls	Controls	Risk after controls	29 CFR reference
1	Ladder access to roof	Fall from ladder Ladder slides out or tips at the top Electrical contact (metal ladder near lines) Losing balance while carrying materials	HHigh	Competent person inspects ladder each shift; tag and remove defective ladders Side rails extend at least 3 ft above the eave; secure top and set at 4:1 angle Set on stable, level base; use levelers or stakes on soft ground Use non-conductive (fiberglass) ladders Face ladder, keep one hand on ladder; hoist materials instead of carrying	MMedium	1926.1053(b)(1) 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) 1926.1053(b)(6) 1926.1053(b)(12) 1926.1053(b)(15) 1926.1053(b)(20)-(22) 1926.1060(a)
2	Install roof anchors and fall protection	Fall from roof edge before anyone is tied off Anchor pulls out or is not rated Damaged harness, lanyard or lifeline	HHigh	Install first anchor from ladder near ridge; tie off immediately Anchors rated 5,000 lb per worker or as designed by a qualified person; fasten into rafters/trusses per manufacturer Inspect harness, lanyard, SRL and rope grab before each use; remove defective gear Workers trained in fall protection, with written certification, before working on the roof	MMedium	1926.501(b)(11) 1926.501(b)(13) 1926.502(d)(15) 1926.502(d)(21) 1926.503(a) 1926.503(b)
3	Shingle tear-off	Slip and fall on loose granules, felt and debris Lacerations / punctures from exposed nails Flying debris to eyes Debris falling on workers or public below Back strain from repeated shoveling	HHigh	All roofers tied off with personal fall arrest system at all times Install roof brackets and toe-boards; work top-down and keep footing clear Safety glasses with side shields, gloves and hard hats Barricade area below; no one under the work Rotate tasks and use proper shoveling posture	MMedium	1926.501(b)(13) 1926.501(c) 1926.102(a)(2) 1926.100(a) 1926.28(a)
4	Debris removal to dumpster	Struck by falling debris Debris missing dumpster and landing in public areas Dumpster overloaded or nails scattered on ground	HHigh	Use enclosed chute if debris drops more than 20 ft outside exterior walls Otherwise place dumpster directly below eave and barricade drop zone Ground worker stays clear while debris is dropped; use verbal "clear" call Remove scrap from work area as work progresses	LLow	1926.252(a) 1926.252(c) 1926.501(c)(3) 1926.25(a)
5	Roof deck inspection and sheathing repair	Fall through rotted decking, holes or skylights Deck not strong enough to support workers and bundles Saw cuts while replacing sheathing	HHigh	Competent person checks deck strength and integrity before loading Walk on rafters/solid areas; mark soft spots immediately Cover openings with secured covers marked "HOLE" or "COVER"; guard skylights Use guarded saws; keep cords clear of cut line	MMedium	1926.501(a)(2) 1926.501(b)(4)(i) 1926.502(i)(3) 1926.502(i)(4)

Risk = Severity × Likelihood on a 3×3 matrix (1–2 Low, 3–4 Medium, 6–9 High). Citations link to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR).

Relevant 29 CFR 1926 subparts

MSubpart M: Fall Protection1926.500–1926.503 XSubpart X: Stairways and Ladders1926.1050–1926.1060 ESubpart E: Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment1926.95–1926.107 ISubpart I: Tools – Hand and Power1926.300–1926.307 KSubpart K: Electrical1926.400–1926.449 FSubpart F: Fire Protection and Prevention1926.150–1926.155

Key paragraphs we cite

1926.501(b)(13)Residential construction: guardrails, safety nets, or a personal fall arrest system at 6 feet or more
1926.501(b)(10)Low-slope roofing work: warning lines and safety monitoring options
1926.502(d)(15)Anchorages rated 5,000 lb per worker or designed by a qualified person
1926.1053(b)(1)Ladder side rails extend 3 ft above the landing

Checked against the eCFR (Title 29, as amended through October 14, 2026). Confirm the current text, and any state plan rules that apply to your site.

Florida job sites

Florida roofing: heat, lightning and storm work

Florida roof crews deal with heat on dark surfaces for most of the year and afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Every JHABox roofing draft for a Florida address adds a heat-illness step and a lightning stop-work note. If the task mentions hurricane or storm damage, the draft adds a storm walk-down step for downed lines and unstable structures.

Roofing JHA FAQ

Does OSHA require a written roofing JHA?

Federal OSHA has no construction standard that requires a document called a “JHA” (job hazard analysis). You still have to meet the specific 29 CFR 1926 standards for the work and run the accident-prevention program in 1926.20(b). General contractors (GCs), owners, and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) often require one. USACE calls it an Activity Hazard Analysis.

At what height do roofers need fall protection?

For residential construction, 1926.501(b)(13) requires guardrails, safety nets or a personal fall arrest system at 6 feet or more above a lower level. Steep roofs and low-slope roofs have their own paragraphs, 1926.501(b)(11) and (b)(10).

Can I hand this straight to my general contractor?

Not without review. Every JHABox document is a draft. A competent person (someone who can identify the hazards and is authorized to correct them) has to check it for that site, adjust it to real conditions, and sign it before work starts. JHABox is not affiliated with OSHA.

Is the Spanish version included?

Yes. Pick Spanish on the build form and the whole document comes out in Spanish, including the hazard table, personal protective equipment (PPE) list, and crew sign-off sheet. A paid document includes both languages.

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