Why Skylight Protectors Are Essential for Safe Roof Access
Skylights are common across commercial, industrial and community buildings — from warehouses and schools to aged-care facilities and leisure centres. While they offer natural light and energy efficiency, they also present one of the most overlooked fall-through hazards on Australian roofs.
Many workers assume a skylight can bear their weight, especially when the glazing looks solid. In reality, most skylights are not designed for foot traffic, can be brittle from age or UV exposure, and often blend into the roof surface. This creates a “hidden danger” for anyone performing roof-access work such as HVAC servicing, solar maintenance, window cleaning, gutter cleaning or inspections.
Recently, a NSW court case involving a worker falling through a skylight served as a reminder of how quickly these incidents can occur — and how easily they could be prevented with proper controls.
The Hidden Risks of Skylights
1. They’re not load-rated
Even new skylights are not intended to support a person’s weight, and older ones can deteriorate significantly. One misplaced step is enough to cause a fall.
2. They blend into the roof
In bright sunlight or on colour-matched roofs, skylights can be hard to see. Workers unfamiliar with the site may walk directly over them without realising.
3. They often sit in the busiest work zones
Areas around skylights are frequently where maintenance tasks occur, such as accessing plant, solar arrays or ductwork.
4. Consequences are severe
Falls from height remain one of the top causes of serious injury in Australia. Even a fall of just a few metres can lead to life-changing harm.
How Skylight Protectors Reduce Risk
Installing skylight protectors is one of the most effective ways to prevent fall-through incidents. Common solutions include:
• Skylight Mesh Guards
Steel mesh systems installed over the skylight that allow light transmission while preventing someone from falling through.
• Solid Skylight Covers
Purpose-built covers or plates designed to take load, installed directly over or around the skylight.
• Guardrails & Barriers
Physical barriers that create exclusion zones around skylights, keeping workers away from the hazard entirely.
• Dedicated Walkways
Engineered walkways guide workers safely across the roof and divert foot traffic away from skylights.
• Signage & Visual Markings
Clear visual indicators help identify skylights that blend into roof sheeting.
These engineering controls significantly reduce risk and help organisations meet their obligations under WHS legislation and Australian Standards.
Where Skylight Protection Makes the Biggest Impact
Skylight protectors are especially important for:
- Commercial solar companies accessing roofs frequently
- HVAC and mechanical contractors
- Facility managers and property maintenance teams
- Schools, clubs, councils and aged-care providers
- Industrial and manufacturing sites
- Strata and building managers
- Any building with a roof-mounted system or regular maintenance needs should be assessed for skylight hazards.
A Simple Step That Prevents Serious Incidents
Incidents involving skylights almost always have the same outcome: the fall happens fast, the injuries are severe, and the risk was preventable.
By installing appropriate skylight protectors, businesses can:
- Reduce fall-through hazards
- Improve compliance and documentation
- Provide a safer workplace for contractors and staff
- Lower operational risk and potential liability
- It’s a small investment compared to the cost — human and financial — of a single fall.
Need Help Assessing Your Skylights?
If you’d like support with skylight inspections or protection options, contact our office and we’ll guide you through the best solutions for your site.