A worker was moving a piece of equipment on the flat roof of a warehouse. He tripped and fell through the plastic dome of a skylight. He was injured when he landed 19 feet (6 metres) below on the warehouse floor.
Safe work practices:
- Conduct a pre-work risk assessment before allowing workers to work around skylights, skylight openings, and other roof openings. Ensure that skylights, skylight openings, and other roof openings accessible to workers are guarded with the appropriate covers or guardrails. Ensure that these covers or guardrails can withstand the potential loads.
- Establish and enforce written safe work procedures for working near skylights, skylight openings, and other roof openings. Include procedures for recognizing hazards and controlling them.
- Provide workers with fall protection training and appropriate equipment for any area where there is a risk of falling.
- Provide workers with the supervision necessary to ensure their safety when working near skylights, skylight openings, and other roof openings.
More Information:
WorkSafeBC has a wide range of health and safety information. For assistance and information on workplace health and safety, call toll-free within BC 1-888-621-SAFE (7233) or visit our web site at WorkSafeBC.com.
