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We have combined efforts with the League of Minnesota Cities City Spot blog to provide you with more of the latest news and helpful information on public works, loss control, employee safety, and other issues that are important to Minnesota cities. 

Update your bookmarks and visit City Spot at lmc.org/news-publications/publications/city-spot/.   

Thank you, Public Works!

It’s Public Works week May 21-27, and that means around the state, cities and residents are celebrating all the things you do to keep our cities functioning. We at the League of Minnesota Cities would like to thank you once again for taking care of our streets, sidewalks, water, wastewater, and parks. Thank you for keeping our cities running smoothly day in and day out. We appreciate you!

Mandated reporter training for youth recreation employees

As you may be aware, effective June 1, 2023, Minnesota law requires mandatory reporting by youth recreation program employees 18 years old or older who suspect abuse of a child. To help you with compliance, we have provided you with related FAQs and a link to the free on-line training for your workers: https://mncwta.umn.edu/elearning/mrt-youth/index.html#/

We have a new webpage ready to help with your mandated reporter training questions for youth programs: www.lmc.org/mandated-reporting

Submitted by: LMCIT Loss Control

Participate in the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls May 1-5

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), with support from the National Safety Council (NSC) and the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) loss control staff, is asking employers to take time during the 2023 National Safety Stand-down May 1-5 to discuss fall protection and safety when working from heights.

In 2022, fall-related injuries were the No. 1 specific cause of injury among public works employees, according to LMC loss data. There were 395 fall-related claims reported that year. As of this writing, there have been 226 reported falls among your colleagues in 2023 thus far.

The National Safety Stand-Down toPrevent Falls often focuses on construction. But let’s face it, falls occur in every industry. In fact, falls occur within every department of the city. We often think about falls from a ladder, but how about falls while exiting equipment or falls into a trench or excavation? I recently had the opportunity to work with a city that had a close call when an employee nearly fell into a wet well while changing a lift station pump. Together, we conducted a job hazard analysis (JHA) to reduce that hazard!

What is the National Safety Stand-down?

The program was originally a two-year effort, launched on Workers Memorial Day in 2012, to raise awareness of preventing fall hazards, specifically in construction. It was so successful that it is now an annual campaign at the start of every construction season in May. Tens of thousands of employers and millions of workers have participated.

It's Easy to Conduct a Stand-down

A safety stand-down can be a one-time event, or it can incorporate fall-safety events throughout the week. Public works directors are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their group: 

• Conduct a toolbox talk on ladder, scaffold, or entering/exiting equipment safety.
• Conduct a safety inspection with employees.
• Develop a rescue plan.
• Hold a training session.
• Watch a safety video.
• Contact your LMC loss controlconsultant.

OSHA offers handouts, posters, quizzes, fact sheets, stickers, T-shirts, and more. OSHA also posts a list of stand-down events being held across the country.

All Industries Can Conduct a Stand-down

Falls can happen in any industry that involves working from height. NSC and OSHA encourage workers in all industries to conduct a stand-down. No company is too small to participate; roughly half of events nationwide are held by companies with 25 or fewer employees.

Need Additional Assistance? 

Contact your LMC loss control consultant. We’re here to help! We can assist with additional training materials, resources, and advice.

Meanwhile, please work safely — a lot of people depend on you.

 

Submitted by:  Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant

Tips to follow in the immediate aftermath of a flood

Hopefully you are one of the lucky ones who have not been impacted by flooding this spring. For those who were not as fortunate, you are left to deal with the emotional trauma and a variety of cleanup issues.

As flood waters decrease, many dangers are left behind. Homes, buildings, possessions, and roadways may be destroyed, and flood waters are often contaminated with things that could be detrimental to health and safety.

The following are helpful tips on what to do after a flood. Some of this may sound familiar if you have been following our previous blogs, “Be prepared for spring flooding” and “Be prepared for spring flooding – part2”), but it is worth repeating. 

• Stay informed. Listen to your local news to keep up to date on conditions. If your area was evacuated, do not return until authorities have declared it safe to do so.
• Avoid flood waters as they may be contaminated by toxic chemicals, debris, sharp objects, power lines, sewage, and other substances.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the local electrical company.
• Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded. Pay attention to road closures and cautionary signs. Roadways may be collapsed underneath the flood waters.
• Ensure buildings are structurally safe before entering. Look for warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, cracks, holes, and damage to the walls and floors. Stay out of any building that is surrounded by flood waters.
• Record details of damage. Before removing any water or making repairs, document the damage for your insurer by taking photos and/or videos.
• Report damage to your insurance. Notify your insurer as soon as possible; they will need to know the state of your property and any repairs you intend to do right away.
• Maintain good hygiene during flood cleanup. Use proper personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, masks, heavy boots, and protective clothing. Wash your hands with soap and water if you come into contact with flood water or materials which have been potentially contaminated by flood water.   
• Practice safe cleaning. Remove and throw out anything that was contaminated with flood water or sewage, such as drywall and insulation. Throw away items that cannot be washed or cleaned with bleach, such as mattresses, pillows, and carpet. 
• Avoid drinking water and eating contaminated food. Do not drink tap water until authorities say it is safe. Drink bottled water if it was not contaminated by flood water. Throw away any food that may have come into contact with flood water.

Submitted by: LMCIT Loss Control

Be prepared for spring flooding - part 2

Last week we discussed how to prepare for spring flooding and things your flood response plan should address (read “Be prepared for spring flooding — part 1”). Now let’s talk about safety considerations during a flood: 

                                                                

Floodwater Facts:  

• Six inches of water can reach the bottom of most cars, which can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Attempting to walk through moving water can knock you off your feet as well. 
• A foot of water will float many vehicles. 
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. 
•  Floodwater poses a drowning risk. Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through flooded waters. Avoid areas that are already flooded. Seek higher ground. Even if the water appears shallow, it is difficult to know the condition of the road beneath it, which may be broken up or washed away. If the road is flooded, find another route. 
• It could save your life. 
• Never ignore signs and barriers that warn of flooded and dangerous roads. 
• If floodwaters start rising around your car, abandon the car and get to higher ground. 
• Be especially careful when driving at night as flooding is more difficult to recognize. 
• Floodwater may be carrying debris that could injure you. 
• Keep children away from floodwater. Prevent them from playing near or in drainage outlets and storm water retention basins. 
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Stay away from power lines that are down. 

Safety Tips for Filling, Moving and Placing Sandbags 

Sandbagging is extremely hard work and requires heavy lifting. First and foremost, your safety is the most important thing. Do not be involved in the filling or handling of sandbags if you have any medical conditions that could be exacerbated by this work. If you are not feeling well, seek medical attention immediately. 

Wear proper clothing and personal protective equipment. Depending on the conditions and your task, you may need to wear safety glasses, closed toe and heel shoes, work gloves, and proper head gear, plus reflective gear if working at night. 

Always stretch before lifting and use proper lifting techniques. Keep the lift between knee and waist height. Do not reach out, bend over, or twist when lifting. Lift with your legs, not your back. Be aware of your physical condition and limitations. 

Filling sandbags is a two-person task. One person should hold the sandbag and while the other shovels and releases sand into the bag. Sandbags should be filled one-half to two-thirds full.

• When holding the bag, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and put one foot forward in a power stance, with knees slightly bent. 
• When shoveling, keep your feet wide apart with the front foot close to shovel. Bend your knees —not your back — to scoop the sand. Keep the shovel close to your body. Do not twist your body, instead turn your feet when putting sand into the bag. 

When moving and placing sandbags, carry the bag in front of you at waist height and close to your body. When passing, do not throw the bags. 

Be aware of your surroundings. There will be multiple tasks going on once. Watch for heavy equipment. Check the ground conditions. Watch for other people. 

Avoid touching your eyes and mouth. There may be bacteria in the sand, floodwater, and other materials. Always wash your hands before eating and drinking. 

Take frequent breaks and rotate positions. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

Here are some helpful resources: 

• NDSU: Sandbagging for Flood Protection 
• NDSU: Sandbag Safety Tips (video) 
• OSHA Fact Sheet: Filling, Moving and Placing Sandbags During Flooding Disasters 
• Sandbagging 101 

Check back next week to read about what to do after a flood.

Submitted by:  LMCIT Loss Control

Be prepared for spring flooding

Photo courtesy of CBS Minnesota 3/9/2023

With all the snow we received this year, it comes as no surprise that there is a strong potential for flooding this spring. With warmer weather, longer days, and a variety of weather conditions that can result in heavy rain, flooding can be expected. Are you prepared?

While we typically do not see the same flash floods or dam failures as other states, Minnesota does have a history of flooding. Cities should have an established flood emergency response plan to minimize the potential impact to life and property. As with any plan, it should be “exercised” (even if it is just a desktop review) and updated as needed. Is your plan current?

The National Weather Service offers real-time river observation data across the United States. Monitoring water levels allows cities to determine the likelihood of flooding and enables prompt and accurate emergency flood response.

Another resource is FloodSmart.gov, which offers a variety of assessment tools, including a free hypothetical flood risk scenarios guide that can assist companies to better protect against financial losses due to flooding.

Does your city have a flood response plan?

Here are some things your flood response plan should address or consider:

1. Does the plan assess the risk potential in your area? If your city has experienced a lot of development, risk potential has likely changed as new drainage ditches may have been created, less area for ground saturation is available, and additional surface runoff has been created.
2. Is your plan up to date and are employees familiar with it?
3. Are any important documents, servers, etc. stored in the basement or at ground level? Be sure to review backup procedures.
4. Update employee contact lists with alternate contact information in the event evacuation is necessary. Remember: Contact lists and your recovery plan are of little use if all copies are kept in a location that is subject to flooding.
5. If evacuation is necessary, assign trained personnel to secure the premises and equipment (such as sandbagging and/or extending regulator vents and relief stacks above the level of anticipated flooding, as appropriate).
6. Continuously monitor the flood through various media outlets and weather tracking.
7. Does the plan include procedures to request that gas and electric services are turned off?
8. Communicate imminent flood status updates to supervisory personnel.
9. Deploy personnel so they will be in position to take emergency actions, such as shutdown, isolation, or containment in the event of emergency.
10. Ensure clean-up equipment is available, adequate, and ample. If clean-up will be done by employees, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required. OSHA requires PPE for cleanup operations if a water source is contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or other biological pollutants.
11. Does your plan consider obtaining portable pumps and hoses from local suppliers?
12. Unplug all electrical devices.
13. If applicable, identify, contract, and communicate with water damage specialist(s).
14. If applicable, determine if flooding can expose or undermine pipelines as erosion or scouring could have resulted.
15. If applicable, coordinate with emergency and spill responders on pipeline location(s) and condition, and provide maps and other relevant information to them.
16. If applicable, advise the State Pipeline Safety Office (for intrastate lines), or RSPA's Regional Pipeline Safety Office (interstate lines) prior to returning pipelines to service, increasing the operating pressure, or otherwise changing the operating status of the line.

Another great resource during any natural disaster is MnWARN. MnWARN it is a formal emergency response program consisting of a mutual aid agreement which provides emergency assistance in the form of personnel, equipment, and materials if your water, wastewater, or storm water utilities are damaged due to any natural disaster, including a flood.

Stay tuned next week for considerations to follow during a flood and sandbag safety tips.

Submitted by: LMCIT Loss Control

Additional Resources

• For a sample plan - Flood Preparation, Response, and Recovery | Minnesota DNR 
• National Weather Service - Turn Around Don't Drown
• National Weather Service (NWS) -  Never  Drive or Walk Into Flood Waters - Turn Around Don't Drown PSA
• FEMA - Flood Elevation Determination Docket (FEDD) Checklist
• OSHA - Flood Preparedness and Response - Preparedness |Occupational Safety and Health Administration 
• Office of Pipeline Safety

Distracted Driving Can Be Deadly. Here Are Some Tips to Help Stay Focused Behind the Wheel.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness month. LMC wants to shed light on a prominent problem on the roads as April approaches. According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is attributed to an average of more than 3,000 deaths per year since 2017. It is also the cause of countless non-fatal crashes and other accidents, not to mention “near misses” that happen every day.

 There are numerous ways in which a driver can get distracted, and it comes as no surprise that texting leads that list. NHSTA research indicates that individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 have been observed more often using handheld devices while driving, but make no mistake, it’s not just young people who get distracted. There is no need to text or go on Facebook while cruising around — it can always wait!

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from driving. While taking your eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel present obvious risks, activities that take a driver's mind away from driving are just as risky. Texting is the leading cause of all distracted driving cases. If sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for around 5 seconds, at 55 mph that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. While in the moment it may not seem like a big deal or a long period of time, it greatly reduces your ability to react to the situation on the road and could cost multiple lives.

Driving instructors estimate that a driver makes an average of 200 decisions during every mile they drive. This leaves no room for multi-tasking. Drivers who are distracted fail to recognize potential hazards in the road and react more slowly to traffic conditions, decreasing their margin of safety.

Tips to manage potential distractions:

• Pre-set the climate control, radio, Bluetooth player, and/or GPS before putting the car in drive.

• Adjust the mirrors and identify all needed controls such as wipers, lights, wiper fluid, etc. before you drive.
• Plan your route and leave a little earlier than you need to; it will help you to arrive at your destination safely and less stressed.
• Allow voicemail to handle incoming calls and put your phone away to where you can only grab it if you really need it for an emergency.
• Pull off the road to make calls. If you must make a call, use a hands-free option.
• Postpone complex or emotional conversations on the phone or with passengers until you arrive at your destination.
• Constantly search the roadway ahead for situations that could require you to take quick action.

You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases the risk of an accident.

Submitted by: Michael Neff, Loss Control Consultant

Resources:

LMCIT has an agreement with CoastalFlix to offer free interactive e-learning courses along with instructor’s handouts for our members. Among these FREE e-learning courses are several that address distracted driving: Coastal Training | Official Site | SafetyTraining Videos (coastalflix.com)

Bankrate Distracted Driving Statistics
Distracted Driving Awareness Month -National Safety Council (nsc.org)
Distracted Driving (Cellphone Use) -Safety Talk Ideas
The myth behind multitasking - DistractedDriving FAQ - Bing video

 

Spring Chainsaw Safety Reminder

Chainsaws are a common tool among city employees, but whether it’s a utility worker clearing trees around lines, a public works employee cleaning up after a storm, firefighters ventilating a roof, or a golf course employee trimming trees on the course, chainsaws can be extremely dangerous. OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910.266 and 29 CFR 1910.133 govern chainsaw safety in the workplace and provide guidance for employers and employees.     

Because chainsaws are so common and many of us use them at home as well as at work, it can be easy to become complacent while using them. Please don’t! Complacency is one of the most common causes of workplace injury. Be mindful of the work you are doing and of the hazards present. In this blog I will share some common safety ideas as well as resources for more information and specific training on the safe use of chainsaws. 

PREPARING TO USE A CHAINSAW

Workers need to be properly trained before using a chainsaw. Specific usage instructions vary by brand and saw, so the user should always read and follow the operator’s manual for each specific chainsaw. Consider the new or seasonal worker who may not be as familiar with a chainsaw or other equipment as you are, and may feel embarrassed to ask for help. Don’t wait for them to ask -- make equipment training part of the onboarding process.

Follow these guidelines before you use a chainsaw:

• Inspect the chainsaw before use.
• Put on your full personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Engage the chain brake when transporting or not in use.
• Place the chainsaw on the ground to start it – never drop-start it.

It is also important that workers are aware of their surroundings and to clear away any objects or debris that may be in the saw’s path. Among the biggest causes of chainsaw accidents are trips and falls, so everything from small tree limbs, rocks, and other equipment should be cleared. This gives the operator a “clear escape path” to exit the area when felling a tree or if things go wrong.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Photo courtesy of Oregon Products

As with most equipment operation, PPE must ALWAYS be worn, including:

• Helmet system with head, face, and ear protection      
  
• Steel-toed boots
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Long sleeves
• Pants
• Cut-proof chaps/pants

USING A CHAINSAW

After workers have followed the proper steps to ensure the chainsaw is in safe working order and they are wearing the appropriate PPE, follow these general rules to safely use a chainsaw:

• Disengage the brake when the saw is ready for use.
• Stay alert while cutting.
• Never use the saw alone, have a coworker nearby but out of the hazard zone.
• Make sure no other people are near when using the saw (aside from a coworker as mentioned in the bullet above).
• Always hold the saw with two hands.
• Stand to the left of the chainsaw.
• Do not lift the saw above shoulder level.
• Always engage the brake if not cutting.
• Keep legs shoulder-width apart.
• Keep a slight bend at the knees.
• Do not let the tip of the bar come in contact with the wood.
• Decrease and slowly ease off the pressure when you are close to ending the cut.
• Never leave the chainsaw unattended.

These are general rules, but keep in mind each chainsaw is different. The operator’s manual should always be the main source of information for safety and usage instructions.

FUELING A CHAIN SAW

Fueling a chainsaw can also be dangerous, so make sure workers follow these general guidelines:

• Only use approved containers to transport fuel.
• DO NOT smoke during or near fueling.
• Use a funnel or hose to pour fuel.
• Always let the saw cool down before fueling.

Other helpful resources on chainsaw use:

• League of Minnesota Cities - Parks and Recreation Loss Control Guide
• NEOGOV Safety has a Chainsaw Safety course - Learn how to safely operate a chainsaw. Topics include safely starting and stopping a chainsaw, avoiding kickback, personal protective equipment, preventing hand-arm vibration syndrome, and properly maintaining a chainsaw. This course covers OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910.266 and 29 CFR 1910.133.
• OSHA Toolbox Talk - Working Safely with Chainsaws 
• OSHA.gov - Chainsaw Safety
• MNOSHA Workplace Safety has several short logging safety videos as well as four in-depth training videos.
• Of course, your League of Minnesota Cities loss control consultant is an excellent resource for additional training information and assistance. Contact them for more information.

Chainsaws are common a tool, but they can be an injury waiting to happen if you have not been properly trained and if you are not using them safely.

Please work safely; so many people are depending on you!

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant – League of Minnesota Cities

MN OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards of 2022

Is your city meeting OSHA requirements? Are you training your employees? Consider revisiting your
training programs to make sure they are current and being conducted and documented. This will help your city meet OSHA standards and help prevent OSHA citations. MNOSHA recently came out with the most frequently cited standards for all industries for the federal fiscal year 2022:

1. 1926.501: Fall protection in construction
2. 1910.1200/MN Rules 5206.0700: Hazard communication/Right to know
3. Minnesota Statutes 182.653, sub 8: AWAIR
4. 1910.212: Machinery and machine guarding – general requirements
5. 1926.1053: Ladders
6. 1910.134: Respiratory protection
7. 1910.242: Hand and portable powered tools and equipment
8. Minnesota Rules 5206.0116: Carbon monoxide monitoring
9. 1910.147: Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
10. 1926.503: Fall protection training

See fact sheet here.

How can your city ensure training requirements are getting done to help prevent you from receiving OSHA citations?

If you are part of the LMCIT Regional Safety Group (RSG), your RSG coordinator can help ensure compliance and proper training is being met. If you are not part of an RSG and have less than 50 full-time employees and have workers’ compensation coverage through LMCIT, you can qualify to join an RSG. You can find more information here.

Another great affordable option is LMCIT’s NEOGOV, an online safety training program. All LMCIT members can register for this program to gain access to 200 online safety training courses. You can find more information here.

You can also supplement your training with LMCIT’s free streaming safety videos. There is a library of 342 e-learning courses and streaming training videos. Videos range from 2-30 minutes. You can find more information here and browse the library of videos here.


Submitted by: Kate Connell, Loss Control Consultant

Pilot Program Uses Mapping Technology to Locate Underground Utilities

Photo credit MN DPS

Are you like me? When you drive, do you almost always use Google Maps, even if you’re just going to the grocery store? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could use similar technology to arrive accurately at your final excavation destination? Maybe you can!

In August 2020, Gopher State One Call (GSOC) in partnership with the Minnesota Underground Utility Mapping Project Team (UUMPT) initiated a pilot project that incorporated advanced underground locating technology with shared mapping services — like Google Maps for utilities! The program introduced 12 cities and a few excavation contractors to two new systems: Vivax-Metrotek’s vLoc3-ProRTK locator, which is supported by UtilityLogic, and Subsurface Solutions’ Radiodection GPS utility mapping system. The pilot program included a 30-day trial of either system.

The goal of this program was to enable facility operators to map utilities more accurately and in a timely manner while introducing this new technology to end users. Ultimately, this technology aims to improve safety and reduce the hazards associated with excavation around underground utilities.

Feedback from the initial program participants was overwhelmingly positive. They reported:

• 

  Photo credit Marc Dunker

  Improved efficiency of locating without loss of productivity.                                 
  
• More accurate locates.
• Improved safety.
• Easy to use with a short learning curve.
• Easy to map larger areas such as neighborhoods and developments.

As with any new technology, there is a learning curve, and a few minor drawbacks were noted. Like other surveying methods, some users reported that trees and time of day created minor issues. 

Here are resources for more information

If you would like to know more about the program, these articles take a closer look:

• Dp-PRO 2021 Fall Article
• Excavation Safety Magazine Q1 2023

And if you would like more information about the technology used, contact:

• Joe Rubbelke, Director of Utility Logic, at sales@utility-logic.com
• Travis Beran, President of Subsurface Solutions, at travis@subsurfacesolutions.com

Logo permission
GSOC

The updated 2023 GSOC Handbook is your source for safety and legal requirements when excavating in Minnesota. If you want more information on Gopher State One Call or this program specifically, go to gopherstateonecall.org or contact Barbara M. Cederberg, Chief Operations Officer at Gopher State One Call, at (651) 681-7307 or Barbara.cederberg@gopherstateonecall.org. 

If you need assistance with excavation safety or any other safety matters at your city, please contact your League of Minnesota Cities loss control consultant. We are happy to help!

 As always, please work safely; many people are depending on you!

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant

Reminder: OSHA 300A logs and reporting

We wanted to provide a friendly reminder of the OSHA Recordkeeping requirements under 29 CFR 1904. OSHA 300A Logs need to be posted in your city/utility offices from February 1st through April 30th. Complete instructional packet for Forms 300, 300A, 301 and instructions (PDF (XLS). 

Cities/utilities must electronically submit required 2022 injury and illness data by March 2 if they have:

• 250 or more employees and are currently required to keep OSHA injury and illness records.

• 20-249 employees classified in specific industries with historically high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses. When counting employees include total number of employees your establishment paid during the year. Also include those not on your payroll if the establishment supervised these employees on a day-to-day basis. Include all employees: full-time, part-time, temporary, seasonal, volunteers, salaried, and hourly.

Visit OSHA's Injury Tracking Application (ITA) webpage for more information and to submit data online.

Looking for training on how to electronically submit your data?

OSHA is hosting a free webinar on its recordkeeping requirements and electronically submitting workplace injury and illness data using the Injury Tracking Application on February 2nd.
Register here.

MNOSHA also provides training. Check their website for free online training sessions and recordkeeping guidance.

Reach out to your League Loss Control Consultant for assistance or visit MNOSHA Compliance for additional information.

 

Submitted by: Julie Jelen, Loss Control Consultant

Roof Inspection for Winter Damage Prevention

Over this past week in the Twin Cities area, there was a four-day total snowfall of 15 inches including one day with 8.8 inches alone. This means residents experienced a top-20 snowfall event in Minnesota history, which brings many concerns along with it. Looking at this from a loss control perspective, our first thoughts go to maintaining the property of our cities. Snow and ice can do a number on roofs over a long Minnesota winter. This article will remind you of best practices for inspecting and preparing your roof for snow and ice.

What to Check

Visible damage and debris – The first step to inspecting a roof is looking for obvious signs of damage, including visible structural deformations, dirt and debris, standing water, and blocked or broken gutters and downspouts. Any obvious damage should be repaired immediately.

Exterior structural components – All external structural components of the roof, including chimneys, vents, fascia, drip edges, and decking should be inspected for damage, missing components, rust, and rot. Leaks tend to form around chimneys, vents, and skylights; if they're not noticed in a timely manner, damage can occur to the underlayment, sheathing, and joists, leading to potentially expensive repair and replacement costs.

Interior roofing components – When roofs are not inspected regularly, interior structural damage can occur. Often, due to lack of regular maintenance, interior damage is the first to be noticed. On sloped roofs, the location of the damage may not directly point to the location of the leak. Water follows the path of least resistance, which means the source of the leak is often not above the visible damage. If a leak has been left to linger, rafter and roof trusses should be checked for evidence of mold, mildew and rot, which could indicate extensive structural damage.

At a minimum, a comprehensive maintenance program for roofing systems should include these basic steps:

• Keep roofs clean and free of debris.
• Keep drainage systems clear and functional.
• Train maintenance personnel on the requirements of working with the roof system.
• Restrict roof access to authorized personnel.
• Limit penetration of the roof system.
• Use professional roofing contractors who stand behind their work.

When to Check

While a spring inspection would reveal potential damage that might have occurred from severe winter weather, a fall inspection would reveal any preventative action required before winter arrives. An inspection should be conducted after any major storm or construction activity that might cause damage to the roof, including these recent heavy snowfalls. Always take extra precautions and have someone with you when inspecting roofs in the winter.

Additional resources: 

LMC Pipeline Blog - Snow Loading and Roof Collapse Preparation 

Submitted by: Michael Neff, Loss Control Consultant