At O’Hara’s Son Roofing (OSR) safety is always our top priority, and we’re proud to highlight Didier A. Calderon, who has served as a Traveling Superintendent with OSR since February 10, 2020. With a strong focus on quality and safety, Didier plays a key role in keeping projects on track and crews protected. Always on the move, he brings leadership, dedication, and a commitment to excellence to every job site
1. What is the weirdest thing you have found on a roof?
I was working on a roof in El Paso, Texas, and we found a raccoon and a fox up there. How they got there—we couldn’t figure it out. There weren’t any trees around the store at all.
You’d be surprised at the weird stuff you can find on roofs. I’ve seen snakes, raccoons, foxes, brand-new shoes… but the weirdest one was definitely a bulletproof vest.
2. If you could invent a new safety gadget or tool, what would it be?
Well, what can I say—nowadays it feels like everything’s already been invented. We’ve got safety lanes, safety fences, harnesses… I still remember when we used to just tie a big rope around our hips when we didn’t have enough harnesses. Things have come a long way!
3. What’s your favorite safety slogan or motto?
My favorite safety slogan is: “Let’s go home the same way we came.”
It doesn’t matter how much you’re getting paid—by the hour or by the day—your back, your knees, or any serious injury isn’t worth it. Some things can’t be fixed with money. Always think twice before doing something unsafe.
4. Have you ever had a “safety superhero” moment where you swooped in to prevent an accident?
As a matter of fact, yes. Back in 2017, we were working on a roof in Louisiana. One of our buddies slipped and almost fell through an open curb because someone had forgotten to secure the plywood with screws. Luckily, two of my friends and I were close by and managed to catch him just in time before he went through the curb.
5. What’s your go-to method for reminding forgetful colleagues about safety procedures without being too serious?
I like to say: “Please take safety rules seriously. If you don’t take care of yourself, nobody will—and don’t forget, you’ve got family waiting for you.”
Jobs aren’t going anywhere. We are.
6. What’s the most memorable safety lesson you’ve learned from your own experience?
I’ve learned the hard way—I’ve already fallen from a roof, and thank God I’m still alive. That experience, and many others I’ve seen over the years, have taught me how serious safety really is. I always share what I’ve learned with the crew.
Please, watch your step. Know your surroundings. Know where the first aid kit is, and always keep a fire extinguisher within 30 to 50 feet. And if you see someone doing something unsafe, step in and help prevent an accident.