Toolbox Talk: Fall Protection
Working On Rooftops (Holes and Skylights)

While performing work on rooftops, you may encounter unprotected holes/openings or skylights that are extremely dangerous. They need to be securely covered or guarded to protect against injuries resulting from falls through these openings. In the construction industry, serious injuries and even deaths have occurred when workers have fallen through holes, shafts, or other openings that were unguarded, covered by materials that were not strong enough to support the workers or protected by improperly secured barricades or covers. 

To ensure safety, workers should take the following steps to protect themselves from falls through skylights and roof and floor openings: 

• When there is a risk of falls through holes (including skylights) that are more than six feet above lower levels, use fall protection systems (Personal Fall Arrest Systems, covers, or guardrails systems). 

• Cover all floor holes so they will effectively support two times the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time, and secure them in place. 

• Never sit on, lean against, or step on a skylight or any covering placed over a hole in a roof or floor. The material may not support your weight. 

• Guard skylights by a fixed standard railing or protect with a cover capable of supporting a 200 lb. person. 

• Install toe-boards around the edges of permanent floor openings (where persons may pass below the opening). 

• If dimensions permit, the use of a warning line to restrict access close to an opening may be an option.