Falls from height are one of the leading causes of deaths in Australian construction. Safe Work Australia reported 48 construction workers killed by falls from heights in the five years from 2008-09 to 2012-13, including 20 falls from buildings and structures and 12 from ladders. Roofs are where many of those falls happen, which is why how a roofer works at height matters as much as what they charge.
The short answer
- Safe Work Australia: 48 construction workers killed by falls from heights over five years to 2012-13
- 20 of those were falls from buildings or structures, 12 from ladders
- WorkSafe Victoria puts edge protection ahead of harnesses and ladders
- Homeowners should stay off roofs: tiles crack and wet tiles are slippery
- Ask any roofer how they will prevent falls on your job
The numbers
| Type of fall | Construction fatalities, 2008-09 to 2012-13 |
|---|---|
| Falls from buildings or other structures | 20 |
| Falls from ladders | 12 |
| Falls from scaffolding | 5 |
| All falls from heights | 48 |
These are Safe Work Australia’s figures for construction workers. They do not include homeowners who fall while doing their own roof and gutter work.
Sources: Safe Work Australia: Fatalities, injuries and solutions in construction.
Why roofs are dangerous
- Edges with nothing to stop a fall
- Pitched surfaces, often slippery with lichen, dew or rain
- Tiles that crack and give way underfoot
- Fragile skylights and old roof sheeting that cannot take a person’s weight
- Ladder access, which is itself a common source of falls
How falls should be prevented
WorkSafe Victoria’s compliance code for preventing falls in housing construction applies a hierarchy: where possible, work from the ground or a solid platform; otherwise use passive fall prevention such as guard rail and edge protection; and only then rely on harnesses or ladders. Edge protection works without anyone having to remember to clip on.
Sources: WorkSafe Victoria: Prevention of falls in housing construction.
Work done safely
Our crews set up safety rail on every job. Book a free inspection.
How Royce Roofing works at height
- Our own temporary safety rail set up on the roof edge before work starts
- Ladder guards at access points
- Safety nets under old skylights where needed
- Every crew member holds a working at heights qualification
- Training programs introduced by owner Dave Porter, a working at heights safety advocate and educator
For homeowners
The safest roof job for a homeowner is the one done from the ground. Inspect your roof with binoculars, check the roof space from inside, and clear gutters only from a properly set-up ladder with someone holding the base. Leave anything on the roof itself to a crew with edge protection. Read how to inspect your roof safely.
Sources: Agency for Clinical Innovation: Steps to home ladder safety.
When you hire a roofer
Ask how they will prevent falls on your job. A ladder and a harness is not the same as edge protection. A contractor who plans for safety usually plans the rest of the job properly too. See questions to ask your roofing contractor.
WorkSafe Victoria’s compliance code for housing construction puts edge protection such as guard railing ahead of harnesses and ladders when controlling the risk of falls from a roof. Our crews set up our own temporary safety rail, ladder guards and, where there are old skylights, safety nets before anyone works on the roof. Every crew member holds a working at heights qualification.
Common questions
How common are falls from roofs in Australia?
Falls from heights are a leading cause of construction deaths. Safe Work Australia reported 48 construction workers killed by falls from heights over the five years to 2012-13.
Is it safe to walk on a tiled roof?
No. Tiles crack underfoot and can be slippery, and a fall even from a single-storey roof can cause serious injuries. Leave roof work to a crew with edge protection.
What safety equipment should a roofer use?
WorkSafe Victoria’s compliance code puts edge protection such as guard rail ahead of harnesses and ladders.
How does Royce Roofing keep crews safe?
Our own temporary safety rail, ladder guards and skylight nets, and a working at heights qualification for every crew member.
Can I clean my own gutters safely?
From a properly set-up ladder on firm level ground, with someone holding the base and three points of contact. Do not go onto the roof.
Why should I ask a roofer about safety?
A fall on your property is a serious matter, and a contractor who plans for safety usually plans the rest of the job well too.
Related
Sources: Safe Work Australia: Fatalities, injuries and solutions in construction; WorkSafe Victoria: Prevention of falls in housing construction; Agency for Clinical Innovation: Steps to home ladder safety.
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