THE National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has launched a new campaign to identify risk and prevent falls from height.
Don’t Fall for Fragile is designed to help contractors, clients, designers, and building owners identify fragile roof risks early, plan work properly, and stop unsafe shortcuts before someone gets hurt.
Every year, the NFRC said workers are killed or seriously injured after falling through fragile roofs and rooflights. The purpose of the new campaign is to encourage everyone involved in roof work to stop, assess the risks properly, and put effective controls in place before anyone sets foot on the roof.
Gary Walpole, technical safety, health and environment officer at NFRC, said, “Don’t Fall for Fragile is about challenging assumptions. A roof that looks safe may not be safe. That’s why this campaign focuses on planning, competence and making the right decisions at the earliest stage of a project.”
The campaign asks those working at height, or anyone involved in the planning of works at height, to pledge their commitment and reinforce safer planning, access and working practices across their workforce and supply chain.
“Clients, designers and contractors all have a role to play,” Gary added. “The principles of prevention tell us that risks should be eliminated or reduced at the earliest opportunity. The safest solution is rarely found once work has already started.”
The launch follows NFRC’s recent Cut the Dust campaign, forming part of a wider strategy around health, safety, and wellbeing.
