Injuries can occur when workers are carrying out manual tasks like lifting plant and equipment (e.g. fans or solar panels to be mounted on the roof). In addition to the risk of overbalancing when carrying heavy loads, the materials can also obstruct their view, increasing the risk of tripping and falling. 

The risk of injury can be minimised by, whenever possible, using mechanical lifting equipment such as cranes, elevating work platforms, tile elevators and builders’ hoists.

Remember to check that the ground conditions are suitable for plant and read the lifting gear inspection records before use. Determine the appropriate lifting technique for long roof sheets and method of lifting long purlins.

If tile elevators or builders’ hoists are used, consider the risk of manual handling injuries from:

• Installation and removal of cladding;
• Manually loading the elevator or hoist.

Effective roof-edge protection should be maintained when workers use, install and/or remove mechanical lifting equipment. If parts of the edge protection need to be removed, alternative protection measures should be provided and the removed components should be replaced as soon as the equipment is installed.

Examples of situations that can create risk of injury from falling objects include: 

• A hole or gap in the safety mesh;
• A gap between the top of the roof cladding and the bottom of a toe-board or infill panel;
• Working from elevated structures such as working platforms, ladders or scaffolding from where objects can be dropped or kicked off the edge.

Controls to reduce the risk of objects falling include:

• Implementing safe methods for raising and lowering objects;
• Modifying design (for example toe-boards, chutes and splash plates);
• Installing secure physical barriers to prevent objects falling freely from the structure;
• Using lanyards on tools;
• Installing screens, overhead protection, and protected walkways;
• Housekeeping floors and access ways;
• Limiting access to overhead work by setting up exclusion zones.

Working on roofs can expose workers to high levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) from working in direct sunlight and on reflective surfaces such as concrete, metal and glass.

Controls to minimise solar UV exposure include:

• Carrying out roof work earlier in the morning or later in the day;
• Rotating or sharing between external and internal work;
• Wearing a hat, sunglasses and applying 30+ SPF sunscreen;
• Working in the shade or under overhead protection (although be aware of potential exposure from nearby reflective surfaces).

Working on roofs can cause heat related illnesses and possible dehydration due to:

• Exposure to the elements and the radiant temperature of surroundings when working externally on a roof;
• Exposure to high temperatures when working in an enclosed roof cavity in hot weather (for example installing insulation).

Controls to reduce the risk of heat illnesses include:

• Using mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion, and mechanical fans when working in roof cavities;
• Scheduling tasks for cooler parts of the day;
• Reducing time spent working in heat, for example job rotation;
• Providing rest breaks in a shaded, cool area (air conditioned where possible) and scheduling extra breaks if required;
• Supplying adequate and readily accessible cool drinking water;
• Wearing lightweight clothing.