Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in construction and in New York City, it’s also one of the most expensive when it comes to workers’ comp insurance. From the moment your crew climbs a ladder, your exposure skyrockets.

Between the state’s strict Scaffold Law, NYC-specific jobsite risks, and high injury rates, roofing contractors are often hit with the highest premiums in the industry. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with inflated costs forever.

Here’s why workers’ comp is so costly for roofers in NYC and what you can do to lower your risk, reduce premiums, and protect your business.

Why Roofing Is the Highest-Risk Trade in NYC

Roofers face extreme jobsite conditions every day working at height, in heat, on uneven surfaces, and often under tight timelines. In NYC, these risks are magnified by urban density, multi-story structures, and strict local oversight.

Falls remain the number one cause of serious injury and fatality in the construction industry. Even with harnesses and scaffolding, one slip can lead to a six-figure claim. And in New York, that claim could trigger something even more serious: absolute liability under Labor Law 240/241.

To see how roofing risk compares with other high-risk trades in NYC, check out our complete guide to workers’ comp insurance for NYC construction contractors.

Class Code 5551: What It Means for Roofers

In New York State, roofing work falls under Class Code 5551, one of the most expensive workers’ comp codes due to its high claim frequency and severity.

This code applies to all exterior roofing activities, including tear-offs, installations, flashing, and roof repair. If your team performs multiple roles (like siding or general carpentry), it’s critical to segment payroll to avoid overpaying under the wrong classification.

Many roofers unknowingly report their entire payroll under 5551, even if office staff, ground-level laborers, or subcontractors are performing lower-risk tasks that qualify for more affordable codes.

NYC Scaffold Law and Its Comp Impact

New York’s Scaffold Law (Labor Law §240 and §241) is unique—and costly. It imposes absolute liability on contractors and property owners for any gravity-related injuries, such as falls from ladders, roofs, or scaffolding.

Even if the worker was partially at fault, you may still be held fully responsible. This law drives up legal risk, claim payouts, and insurance costs, especially for roofing contractors.

In many cases, general liability coverage will exclude these types of claims leaving workers’ comp as the sole safety net. That’s why comp carriers price roofing policies higher than nearly every other trade in NYC.

Smart Strategies to Lower Comp Costs

High premiums aren’t a given. NYC roofing contractors can lower costs by making strategic changes to payroll tracking, safety training, and subcontractor oversight.

1. Segment Payroll by Class Code
   If your employees perform more than one type of work, break down payroll by role (e.g., roofing vs. office work). This helps prevent overclassification under 5551.
2. Document Fall Protection Protocols
   Invest in OSHA 10/30 training, enforce daily jobsite safety meetings, and maintain fall protection documentation. These practices reduce claim frequency and improve your EMR.
3. Verify Subcontractor Coverage
   Always collect up-to-date COIs (Certificates of Insurance) from 1099 workers and subs. If they’re uninsured, your business could be liable for their injuries, especially under Scaffold Law.
4. Use a Pay-As-You-Go Billing Model
   This keeps your workers’ comp premium tied to your actual payroll and avoids audit surprises, especially during slow seasons.

How Enforce Coverage Helps Roofing Contractors

Enforce Coverage works directly with NYC roofing businesses to build smarter workers’ comp strategies without overpaying.

Our team helps you:

• Classify workers properly and avoid audit penalties
• Set up pay-as-you-go plans to improve cash flow
• Identify errors in prior audits or policy setup
• Implement jobsite safety best practices that reduce EMR
• Stay compliant with city, state, and Scaffold Law-related requirements

We understand how insurance carriers view roofing risk and we know how to position your business for better rates.

Ready to Protect Your Crew and Lower Your Costs?

If you’re looking for workers’ comp insurance for roofers in NYC, we’ll help you find coverage that fits your crew, your payroll model, and your jobsite realities—without overpaying for what you don’t need. Get a quote now or explore NYC contractor rates →