Introduction
A recent WorkSafe Victoria report has once again highlighted the dangers of working at heights, with a demolition company fined $40,000 after a worker fell through a skylight and suffered serious spinal injuries at a site in Mornington. This case serves as a critical reminder that preventable safety measures must be in place whenever workers, staff, or even students need roof access—especially in schools.
The Reality: Roof Access in Schools
From lost sports balls to routine maintenance, school roofs are often accessed by staff, maintenance teams, or even students taking unnecessary risks. However, many school buildings lack essential height-safety features, exposing individuals to severe falls, fragile surfaces, and unstable footing.
The image above captures a common scenario—sports balls accumulating on the rooftop, tempting retrieval efforts that could lead to a tragic fall. Without proper safety infrastructure, the risk of a serious accident is just a step away.
What Could Be Done Differently?
To prevent falls and create a safe rooftop environment, schools should implement the following safety upgrades:
🔴 Guardrails for Safer Gutter Cleaning & Ball Retrieval
A fixed guardrail system ensures that anyone within 2 meters of a roof edge has protection against accidental slips or falls.
🔴 Skylight Covers for Fragile Surfaces
Skylights can be invisible hazards, often mistaken for solid surfaces. Installing protective covers prevents workers or students from stepping on them accidentally—just like the incident in Mornington.
🔴 Laserlight Covers for Safe Footing
Roof panels made of laserlight or polycarbonate materials can crack underweight. Trafficable covers ensure these areas are stable and safe for access.
🔴 Designated Walkways to Prevent Roof Damage
A structured roof walkway system provides under-weight, clear, stable pathways to access switches, air-conditioning units, and other rooftop equipment—minimizing the risk of falls and preventing roof damage.
A Preventable Tragedy
The Mornington worker’s life-altering injuries could have been avoided with these simple yet critical safety measures. Schools, businesses, and facility managers must take proactive steps to audit their rooftop safety before an accident happens—not after.
Take Action Today
At Workplace Defender, we specialize in custom height safety solutions that protect lives and ensure compliance with Australian Standards (AS1657). Whether you manage a school, commercial building, or industrial site, we can assess your risk areas and implement industry-leading safety upgrades.
💡 Don’t wait for an accident to happen. Contact us today to discuss rooftop safety solutions tailored to your needs.
🔗 Get in Touch with Workplace Defender
