June 14, 2013

Worker Falls Through Skylight Alert

Alert: Worker Falls Through Skylight

 

Issued: November 2000

Content last reviewed: January 2012

PDF Version [136 Kb / 1 page | Download Adobe Reader]

Disclaimer: This resource has been prepared to help the workplace parties understand some of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSHA) and regulations. It is not legal advice. It is not intended to replace the OHSA or the regulations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE SEE FULL DISCLAIMER.

 

Hazard Summary

A worker, repairing the curbing around skylights on the roof of an industrial building, fell through the Plexiglas skylight and sustained fatal injuries. The accident occurred in July 1999. The Ministry of Labour’s (MOL) investigation found that when the worker completed the repairs, he went to the edge of the roof to retrieve a ladder. The worker was walking backwards, dragging the ladder, when he fell through the skylight.

Recommended Precautions

  • The MOL recommends that temporary barriers or guardrails be placed around skylights when workers are working on the roof.
  • The MOL recommends obtaining information from the building owner or a Professional Engineer about whether or not the skylight is designed to support the weight of one or more people.
  • Owners of buildings with skylights, and employers of workers who do maintenance or construction on these roofs, must provide the workers with information, instruction and supervision relating to associated hazards as required by section 25(2)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Section 26 of Ontario Regulation 213/91 (Regulation for Construction Projects) requires that an opening in a roof to which a worker has access be protected by a guardrail or covered with securely fastened planks. This applies to situations where the skylight has been removed to conduct built-up roof repairs or prior to the skylight being installed on new construction.
Did you enjoy this article?
If so, make sure to like our Facebook page or follow us on LinkedIn to be notified as we add more!
Share this
W.S. Safety Offers:
Expert Advice
Quick Turnaround Times
Quality Product
A Fully Certified Product and Crew
IF YOU LIKED THAT ONE, CHECK THESE OUT

Related Posts

Want to Speak to the experts themselves?