Working Around Skylights
One of the most overlooked fall hazards on top of buildings is skylights. Skylights are windows installed in a roof or ceiling and, when unprotected, pose a great risk to those who may be working around them.
Do Employers Have to Provide Fall Protection for Workers Around Skylights?
Each employee is protected from falling through any hole (including skylights) that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level by one or more of the following:
- Covers
- Guardrail systems
- Travel restraint systems, or
- Personal fall arrest systems
(Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(3)(i))
Therefore, your employer is required to ensure these areas are properly protected. Unguarded skylights are an easily avoidable fall hazard that can result in devastating circumstances. Simply stepping backward onto an unguarded skylight can be enough to break its covering, causing potential injuries to you and those below the skylight. If you or a loved one has been injured in a skylight-related accident, contact an experienced fall protection attorney today.
What Types of Fall Protection Are There for Skylights?
The two main types of skylight fall protection are skylight screens and skylight guardrails. Skylight screens serve as a cage, covering the skylight with a mesh framework. Skylight guardrails, like all guardrails, work by putting a physical barrier between the worker and the fall hazard. Both fall protection systems are effective ways employers can ensure their employees are safe when working around this kind of hazard.
Call Us
Unguarded skylights are just one of the many fall hazards workers may face. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our attorneys have been handling workplace accident cases since 1979. We understand how complicated these claims can be, and are dedicated to providing you with the resources necessary to make a full recovery. Call us today to schedule a free consultation: (713) 932-0777.