Our Story
Roof Safety. Why do I care so much? Why should you?
Years ago, I never worried about my own safety while roof walking. I never thought about what repercussions an accident could have on me, my future or my family. And what about the homeowner and family who was left to deal with the aftermath of the tragedy which happened at their home?
Maybe I was lucky because I was “experienced”. My dad was a well-seasoned roofer and he was not lucky. He slipped on a roof, slid off and hit the ground. Hard. He did not go home that day. The fall ended his life.
I have spent close to 50 years in the construction industry to date. Thankfully I am not the risk-taking kid I once was. I have realized that even the most experienced adjusters, roofers and craftsmen could become victims of roof-related accidents in the blink of an eye. These tragedies either end or severely impact their life as well as the lives of their families.
I invented SteepGear to minimize the alarming number of injuries and deaths due to falls from roofs. Determined to design a product for everyone — from the roofing professional to the homeowner putting up Christmas lights or cleaning out gutters — I knew the product had to be comfortable, durable and easy to wear.
Years of testing multiple prototypes on various roofing surfaces went by before I was satisfied with the final product and began selling the well-known “sticky shorts” followed by our full and free finger sticky gloves and all-day roof pants.
We are continuously testing new products and ideas as our SteepGear Safety Wear line continues to expand and bring further safety awareness to the industry.
Thank you for reading our story and let us know how we can assist you and/or your company.
Damon Hawkins, Founder — SteepGear LLC
We are SteepGear. We care for your safety.
Roofing and residential construction sectors have a much higher risk of falls from roofs than any other construction sectors. There are elevated risks for insurance adjusters, home inspectors, or anyone that has a need to be on a roof.
The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) Data Center study, “Fatal Falls from Roofs Among U.S. Construction Workers”, found that falls from roofs accounted for one-third of construction fatalities from 1992–2009.
The findings suggest that workers employed by small establishments and residential construction workers may face disproportionately high risks of roof fatalities as well as very serious and sometimes permanently disabling injuries. These findings don’t even consider adjusters, roof inspectors or any other personnel that access several roofs on a daily basis.
Our Mission
To bring awareness to the many roof-related accidents and fatalities, while promoting roof safety with effective, durable, and comfortable safety clothing.
