Nine people every year die as a result of falling through a fragile roof or roof light and many more are seriously injured – and the Health & Safety Executive are educating both contractors and their clients that more care needs to be taken to avoid unnecessary fatalities and accidents.

Almost 150 construction workers have died in the past twelve months, which although less than the previous year, is far too many. Typically, many of these fatal incidents can be avoided and working on a fragile roof is an example of where short cuts are a risk and not assessing the actual surface just leads to pain and upset for families, friends and contractors – and not least a financial penalty.

One client was fined £77,000 after a contractor fell through a roof and died. The HSE has set out clear and simple guidance in two documents – one aimed at the owners, occupiers and customers demanding repair and improvement work; the other aimed at the builders, contractors and maintenance workers likely to take the unnecessary risks. More information can be obtained via the main HSE site for construction – but these summaries are worth reading.

• Never assume a roof is safe – if you don’t know the roof is fragile, always assume that it is
• Make sure you know what you are doing – only go onto a roof if you are trained and have the right equipment
• Never assume it is safe to walk the line of bolts above the purlins, or along the ridge
• Always plan the work – even in ‘emergency’ situations and where possible do the work from below, or by using an elevated work platform

Download: Fragile Roofs Clients Flyer
Download: Fragile Roofs Contractors Flyer

Click here to visit the Health & Safety Executive website