Spatiotemporal gait parameters while cross-slope residential roof walking

Area of Science:

• Occupational Safety and Health
• Biomechanics
• Construction Safety

Background:

• Falls from residential roofs cause 80% of roofing industry fatalities.
• Roofing work is a significant part of specialty trades, with projected growth in the roofer profession.
• Understanding gait alterations on pitched surfaces is crucial for preventing falls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters when walking on a simulated residential roof.
• To identify how pitched surfaces affect a roofer's movement and balance.
• To provide data for improving safety protocols in the roofing industry.

Main Methods:

• Simulated a 6/12 pitched residential roof segment.
• Measured nineteen spatiotemporal gait variables in participants traversing the surface.
• Utilized statistical analysis to determine significant changes in gait parameters.

Main Results:

• Eighteen out of nineteen spatiotemporal gait variables showed statistically significant changes.
• Gait parameters, including speed, stride length, and step time, were altered.
• Observed increases and decreases in various spatiotemporal variables during roof traversal.

Conclusions:

• Walking on pitched residential roofs significantly alters spatiotemporal gait parameters.
• These gait alterations suggest a potential disruption of the balance system.
• Findings highlight an increased risk of falling for roofers working on pitched surfaces, informing safety education.