Fragile Roofs Safety.pdf

Falls through fragile roofs and roof lights cause death and serious injury, accounting for almost a fifth of fatal accidents from falls in the construction industry, with 7 people killed annually, and many suffering permanent disabling injury, mainly during small maintenance and cleaning jobs on factory, warehouse, and farm building roofs. Fragile surfaces include old roof lights, liner panels, non-reinforced fibre cement sheets, corroded metal sheets, glass, rotted chipboard, slates, and tiles. To prevent incidents, building owners and occupiers should ensure a competent person assesses the roof, plan work in advance with a contractor, specify non-fragile assemblies, and allow sufficient time for safe work. A safe system of work involves avoidance, prevention, and mitigation, using methods like mobile elevating work platforms, perimeter edge protection, stagings, guard rails, safety nets, and harness systems. The Health and Safety Executive may take enforcement action, including prohibiting work and prosecution, if risks are not controlled.