Whether it’s a flat commercial building, a steep-pitched house, or a roof still under construction, fall protection must be a top priority before anyone climbs up.
Working on a roof is one of the most dangerous tasks in construction. Falls from roofs continue to be a leading cause of injury and death in the industry, and nearly every one of those incidents was preventable.
When Fall Protection Is Required
Anytime work is being done 6 feet or more above a lower level, fall protection is required. This includes work near unprotected edges, around skylights or roof hatches, and on sloped or slippery surfaces. Conditions like wet shingles, loose gravel, metal panels, or even strong sun glare can make roofs more dangerous than they appear. Add in wind, ice, or poor visibility, and the risks multiply quickly.
Roof work can’t rely on instincts or assumptions. Just because a roof “feels safe” doesn’t mean it is. All roof work, whether for installation, maintenance, or repair, must follow strict safety protocols.
The Systems That Keep Workers Safe
Fall protection on rooftops typically involves one of the following systems:
Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)
A personal fall arrest system, also known as a PFAS, includes a full-body harness connected by a lanyard or lifeline to a secure anchor point. Anchor points must be attached to structural elements, not temporary features like pipes or vents. All harnesses must be inspected before each use.
Guardrails
Guardrails on rooftops should be approximately 42 inches high, with a midrail and the strength to resist impact. Guardrails are ideal for flat or low-slope roofs and areas near open edges.
Safety Nets
Safety Nets are used in situations where other fall protection systems aren’t practical. Safety nets must be correctly placed and tested to ensure they can stop a fall safely.
Improvised fall protection solutions are never acceptable. Rope or strap tie-offs, unless part of an approved system, can lead to disaster.
Hazards Vary by Roof Type
Each type of roof brings its own set of challenges and hazards:
Sloped Roofs increase the risk of slipping and require anchors and positioning systems. Slippery surfaces like wet shingles or ice demand additional traction. While toe boards can offer some foot support, they are not a substitute for proper fall protection.
Flat Roofs may seem less dangerous but still require protection at the edges. Tools and materials can create trip hazards, and skylights and hatches must be guarded with rated covers or guardrails to prevent falls through openings.
Roofs Under Construction can lack decking, sheathing, or safe anchor points. Temporary fall protection systems must be in place before any work begins, and workers should only walk on fully supported areas. Incomplete or unstable sections may collapse when stepped on or loaded with materials.
Planning and Communication Are Key
Roof safety starts with proper planning. Before any work begins, crews should:
- Identify all fall hazards and determine the best protection method
- Inspect all equipment, including harnesses, anchor points, and lifelines
- Install necessary systems such as guardrails or temporary anchors
During the work, it’s critical to stay tied off unless guardrails are in place. Crews should avoid working in bad weather and maintain clear work areas free of cords, debris, or materials that could cause a trip.
Equally important is communication. Every worker must understand the fall protection plan. If someone isn’t tied off or something doesn’t look right, workers are encouraged to speak up because safety is a team responsibility.
Training and Rescue Preparedness
Every worker who uses fall protection must be trained to:
- Recognize when fall protection is required
- Wear and adjust a harness properly
- Inspect equipment before each use
- Connect to anchor points correctly
- Understand how the system responds in a fall
- Follow the rescue plan if a fall occurs
A fall rescue plan is essential. Workers suspended in a harness can suffer serious health effects in just minutes. Emergency services alone are not a rescue plan and crews must know how to respond immediately.
This safety video program on Fall Protection comes with a quiz, a scheduling and attendance form, a training certificate, and an employee training log. This training program is available in DVD format, on a USB drive, or by Video on Demand, which is available immediately. Shop Now.
A Real-World Lesson A roofing crew was working on the flat roof of a commercial building. One worker removed his harness, saying it was getting in the way, and stepped back to reach for a tool. He fell 22 feet off the edge and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Harnesses and anchor points were available, but supervision was lacking, and no one enforced the safety rules. This tragic incident could have been avoided with proper use of the equipment already on-site.
Rooftop work demands caution, planning, and respect for the risks involved. Fall protection is not just a regulation, it’s a life-saving system that every roofing crew depends on. From choosing the right equipment to watching out for one another, safety starts long before the first step is taken onto the roof.
