Worker dies after falling through skylight
On 19 May 2022, a worker was on the roof of a factory preparing for cleaning works when he fell through a skylight and landed 9.5 metres below. He was sent to the hospital, where he passed away. The worker was not wearing fall arrest equipment.
Working on sloping roofs is an inherently dangerous work activity as they may have fragile surfaces that a person could fall through. A similar accident involving fragile surfaces happened on 2 May 2022, where a renovation company owner fell through a false ceiling board. To prevent similar accidents, consider the following measures:
• Roof hazard assessment: Before starting work, confirm that the roof surface is able to support a person’s weight and identify if hazards exist (e.g. open sides, roof openings, fragile surfaces). Start work on roofs only after risk controls are in place.
• Identify fragile surfaces; communicate them to all: Any fragile surface found must be identified and clearly marked. Display warning signs at all entry points to work areas containing fragile surfaces. Install additional warning signs at the specific location(s) where fragile surfaces are found. Instruct workers never to step on fragile surfaces.
• Safe work method: Where possible, avoid stepping directly on sloping roofs. Consider working under the roof (e.g. using a tower scaffold) or above the roof (e.g. using a mobile elevated work platform) so that there is no need for workers to step on the roof. If work on a sloping roof is required, the use of roof ladders, gangways, crawl boards and roof brackets is recommended.
• Fall Prevention Plan (FPP): Implement a FPP and a Permit-To-Work system for work activities where a worker could fall more than three metres. Provide workers with fall arrest equipment and ensure they are 100 percent tied-off to a secure anchor point or horizontal lifeline when working on sloping roofs or near a fragile surface. Safety nets can also be installed under the roof as an additional fall protection measure.
• Worker training: Deploy only workers who have successfully completed the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Perform Work at Height course to work on roofs.