Roofers deal with all kinds of clients. Some just open the door for you and disappear. Others are always just out of range, with their good eye fixed on your workspace, and their voice constantly intruding into your work atmosphere. Professional roofers have to make sure they are taking nearby occupants into account when doing work on a home.
We all know that it can be particularly challenging when clients decide to stand around under a worksite. They might not be sitting there, but wandering around and accidentally obstructing work. Despite hearing someone walking below, it is hard to determine when and where to throw materials based of the sound of foot fall. Without a basic eye for this, crews can be liable for some pretty bad situations.
I've seen people get hit by shingles and other materials, and even though it's not generally an extensive injury, it's a nasty surprise, and one that should happen. One way to prevent this is the signs: it's good to post some basic signs are in the area that will be worked in. Drop-off can also help, as they provide a visual symbol that work is being done. Sometimes, it is very expensive to cover the grass in plastic which can sometimes destroy the lawn.
Education for crews is another way to prevent these kinds of accidents. Always be telling crewmembers look before throwing materials, or even giving a verbal heads up before materials fall. Obviously, it is not possible to monitor every little piece of debris that may drop off the roof, however for the larger pieces, do a safety check before working.
In the end, there will always be a lot to clean up - having a cleanup member on the ground at all times is another way to do with the situation. As the other workers take on what's going on above, the cleanup personnel can keep everything straight below, keeping an eye out for clients or inhabitants, while collecting all of the random bits of stuff that fall off of the roof as it is being worked on.
With these kinds of situations in place, you can minimize your liability for damages to those who just aren't looking out for themselves as they walk around the worksite in which they live. Have a written set of steps and processes to keep equipment safe will not only help you but can keep your clients safe as well. Educating clients is also part of the comprehensive roofing experience, and just as you would instruct them on proper maintenance, helping them to understand what goes on during the process will prevent some of these unpleasant accidents from occurring. On the next job you have, make sure to illustrate the work process in order to keep the client clear of falling.