Roof Light and Skylight Protection

Roof lights and skylights are fragile surfaces that will not support the weight of a person.
Falls through fragile roof materials are one of the leading causes of fatal workplace injuries in the UK.
Many roof lights become brittle with age and weathering, reducing any residual strength they may have had.
Roof lights are often difficult to see from above, especially when dirty, moss-covered, or painted over.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to prevent falls through fragile surfaces.
Protection measures include permanent covers, guardrails, safety nets, and crawling boards.
Warning signs alone are not sufficient — physical barriers must prevent access to fragile areas.
Both new-build installation and maintenance activities on existing roofs create fall-through risks.
Roof light protection must remain in place until permanent edge protection or covers are installed.
Anyone working on or near a roof must be informed of the location of all fragile surfaces.

Prevent fatalities	Falls through roof lights are almost always fatal or life-changing — the fall height is typically 3 to 10 metres onto hard floors.
Legal requirement	The Work at Height Regulations 2005 specifically require controls to prevent falls through or onto fragile surfaces.
Hidden hazard	Roof lights can be invisible from above, making them a trap for workers who do not know they are there.

Do

Don't

Identify and mark the location of all roof lights before any roof work begins
Install physical protection such as guardrails, covers, or safety nets over roof lights
Ensure covers are secured and strong enough to support the weight of a person
Use crawling boards or staging when working near fragile roof light areas
Brief all workers on the exact location of every fragile surface on the roof
Display warning signs at roof access points identifying fragile surface hazards
Inspect roof light protection daily to confirm it remains secure and in place
Include roof light locations on the site plan and the risk assessment
Maintain protection until permanent guarding or replacement is complete
Report any damaged, displaced, or missing roof light protection immediately

DON'T walk on or near roof lights without physical protection in place
DON'T rely on warning signs alone to prevent falls through fragile surfaces
DON'T assume a roof light will support your weight — it almost certainly will not
DON'T remove roof light covers or barriers for any reason without replacement
DON'T step on roof sheets between roof lights without checking their condition
DON'T access a roof without being briefed on the location of all fragile areas
DON'T use lightweight materials as covers that cannot support a person's weight
DON'T work on roofs during poor visibility where roof lights cannot be seen clearly
DON'T place materials, tools, or equipment on top of roof light covers
DON'T forget that old roof lights become more fragile and dangerous over time

See also: Fragile Surfaces | Roof Work Risk Assessment

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