Which weather condition poses the highest risk for roofing employees on job sites?

High winds and lightning pose the highest risk for roofing employees on job sites due to the inherent dangers associated with working at heights in adverse weather conditions. High winds can significantly destabilize ladders, scaffolding, and even the roof structure itself, making it much more difficult for workers to maintain their footing and balance. This increases the likelihood of falls, which are one of the leading causes of injuries in the roofing industry.

Lightning is another critical danger during storms, as it can strike indiscriminately and often impacts individuals working on elevated surfaces, such as rooftops. When workers are exposed to the elements on a roof, the probability of being struck by lightning increases. The combination of these two factors—high winds affecting stability and lightning presenting a direct electrocution hazard—creates a uniquely dangerous situation that demands immediate caution and, often, evacuation from the site until conditions improve.

In contrast, while heavy rain and fog can reduce visibility and create slippery surfaces, and extreme heat and humidity can lead to heat exhaustion, they do not present the immediate and acute dangers that high winds and lightning do. Cold temperatures and snow can cause hazards like frostbite or slipping, but again, they are generally less life-threatening compared to the risks associated with severe winds and electrical