Roofing companies in Saskatchewan that fail to implement safety procedures face fines as province tightens its grip on the growing industry.

Eight roofing companies in the province have been fined since April for violating safety standards.

Reports indicate most of the fines are related to workers not wearing proper harnesses while on the job.

Jennifer Fabian, director of Safety Services for Occupational Health and Safety, said she hopes the fines will serve as cautionary news for roofing companies.

"And also to make the industry aware that there is an increased likelihood that they will be caught if they don't wear fall protection," said Fabian. "There will be a punishment related to that."

Percy Crossman, spokesperson for Regina's Roof Management Inspection Services, said he supports the province's crackdown on those who flout safety rules.

"Slowly but surely they've been going through kind of a ramp-up in enforcement," said Crossman. And not only to get the message out, but also so that people start to comply with the regulations and realize what they need to do."

But Crossman said companies feel challenged by keeping training up to date in an industry that experiences high staff turnover.

"In any labour environment, one of the challenges they have is a lot of turnover," said Crossman. "In the construction industry trying to get people trained and certified to do this is sometimes a challenge."

Crossman said there are more small roofing companies starting up due to increased demand brought on by recent severe weather in the province.

He said homeowners using the services of smaller companies should make sure they are covered through Workers Compensation. Without insurance, the homeowner could be liable for any injury sustained by the worker.

Smaller companies often lack the resources to enforce the safety procedures, but that is no excuse, said Crossman.

"It's a bit of a challenge for them to get themselves into compliance," he said. "But ultimately they'll start to be aware of what they'll need to do."

Occupational Health and Safety said it will continue inspections until all roofing companies comply with the rules.