Working at height remains one of the most dangerous activities in the UK workplace. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height continue to be a leading cause of fatal and major injuries. For building owners, facilities managers, and contractors, protecting workers on commercial rooftops isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a moral and operational priority.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to protect workers at height on UK commercial roofs, ensure full compliance with HSE regulations, and reduce the risk of accidents.
Why Working at Height is High Risk
Commercial roofs present a range of hazards including:
Fragile roof materials (e.g., skylights, asbestos cement)
Sloped or uneven surfaces
Poor weather conditions
Lack of edge protection
Trip hazards like cables and HVAC systems
Without proper controls in place, these risks can lead to serious or fatal injuries.
Legal Responsibilities Under UK Law
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers and duty holders must:
Avoid working at height where possible
Use suitable equipment and safety measures if working at height is unavoidable
Ensure those working at height are competent and trained
Regularly inspect safety equipment and working environments
Failure to comply can result in severe fines and prosecution.
How to Protect Workers at Height on Commercial Roofs
Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment
Before any work begins:
Identify potential hazards
Evaluate who might be at risk
Assess the likelihood and severity of falls
Implement control measures to eliminate or reduce risk
Make sure assessments are documented and reviewed regularly.
Install Collective Fall Protection Systems
Collective systems protect everyone on the roof without needing personal gear. These include:
Permanent guardrails: Ideal for buildings with regular maintenance access
Temporary edge protection: Suitable for short-term projects
Roof access walkways: Prevents trips and spreads weight on fragile surfaces
Choose EN 13374-compliant systems to meet UK safety standards.
Use Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE)
Where collective protection isn’t feasible, use:
Harnesses and lanyards
Horizontal lifeline systems
Anchor points and deadweight anchors
Ensure all PFPE is inspected before use and complies with EN 361/EN 355 standards.
Control Roof Access
Limit access to authorised, trained personnel only. Use controlled entry systems like:
Lockable roof hatches
Signage and warning lines
Secure ladder points or fixed vertical ladders with cages
Provide Training and Supervision
Training should include:
Working at height awareness
Safe use of PFPE and access equipment
Emergency rescue procedures
Supervisors should monitor compliance and ensure that protocols are followed.
Regularly Inspect Roof Safety Systems
Ensure all safety equipment—guardrails, anchors, harnesses, etc.—is:
Inspected before each use
Maintained according to manufacturer guidelines
Subject to annual third-party inspections
Keep detailed records for compliance and liability protection.
Conclusion
Protecting workers at height on UK commercial roofs isn’t optional—it’s a legal and ethical responsibility. By following best practices for risk assessment, fall prevention, access control, and training, you can create a safe working environment and avoid costly incidents.
For long-term safety and compliance, consider working with certified fall protection specialists who understand the complexities of UK commercial roofs.
