Stopping the Slide: How SteepGear Shorts Can Prevent Roofing Injuries
At ROII, we’re always looking for ways to help our participants prevent injuries before they happen. That means constantly searching for innovative safety products that actually make a difference on the job site—not just in theory, but in real-world conditions. One product that recently caught our attention is SteepGear shorts—a game-changer for anyone working on pitched roofs. If you’ve ever fallen while working on a roof, you know the immediate fear isn’t just the trip itself—it’s the slide. Even when a worker is tied off, their rope is often adjusted too loosely to stop them from sliding down the roof. That moment between slipping and reaching the edge is where serious injuries can happen. SteepGear shorts are specifically designed to address that hazard. With a unique built-in gripping system on the back and thighs, these shorts help workers stop where they land instead of continuing to slide. That instant friction can buy you the time you need to regain balance, signal for help, or simply stay put until you’re ready to move again. We recently had a serious incident that highlights just how crucial this kind of protection can be. A recently injured worker slipped on a roof and, during his fall, instinctively grabbed for anything he could to stop himself. Unfortunately, what he grabbed was the gutter—which caused severe damage to the ligaments in his hands. His rope eventually stopped his fall from hitting the ground, but not before he went over the edge of the roof. It’s the kind of scenario that SteepGear shorts are built to avoid. This isn’t about replacing your fall protection system. It’s about supplementing it. SteepGear adds an extra layer of defense in the critical moment when a slip happens, and the rope hasn’t yet engaged. It’s simple, practical, and designed with the realities of the job site in mind. At ROII, we believe that preventing injuries starts with smart planning, training, and the right gear. We’re committed to helping our participants stay safe—and that includes introducing them to innovative products like SteepGear that can make a real difference in day-to-day job site safety. If you or your crew work on roofs, these shorts are worth a serious look. Because in this line of work, staying where you land can be the difference between a close call and a costly injury.
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