MCL Height Safety

Why Rooflight and Skylight Safety Matters
What Happened: Worker Falls Through Fragile Rooflight
A recent incident reported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) underscores just how dangerous roofworks can become when fragile rooflights are left unprotected. On 8 July 2022, a worker performing over-cladding works at a factory in Keighley stepped onto a fragile rooflight, fell through it, and became impaled on machinery below.

Though miraculously he survived with relatively minor injuries, the event reveals a cascade of failings: improper planning, inadequate supervision, and a lack of protective measures to guard against a known hazard.

In court, both the principal contractor (A.T. Lee Properties Ltd) and subcontractor (LJH Property Ltd) pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and were fined a combined total exceeding £95,000. Their directors also faced conditional discharges and prosecution costs.

HSE’s investigation concluded that the companies had failed to put in place “effective preventative and protective measures … to control the risks associated with roof work.”

“Work at height continues to be the leading cause of workplace fatalities … this incident should not have occurred.” — HSE Principal Inspector

The Hidden Danger: Why Rooflights Are a Critical Hazard
Many workers regard the roof edge as the primary fall risk. But in reality, fragile rooflights often go unnoticed, lying in the natural walking path. Because they are not obviously dangerous, they attract less attention, but the consequences of stepping on one can be catastrophic.

According to industry sources, falls through fragile roof structures account for about one-fifth of all height-related fatalities in construction.

To manage this risk, robust protection systems must be integrated into any rooftop access or maintenance regime. They must preserve light transmission, be compatible with different roof profiles, and resist loads in line with industry non-fragility tests.

Rooflight and Skylight Safety:

rooflight and skylight safety
MCL Height Safety’s fragile rooflight and skylight safety solution: Kee Cover Rooflight Covers
At MCL Height Safety, we provide Kee Cover® Rooflight Covers – a modular fall protection system tailored for trapezoidal, standing seam, or metal-profile roofs.

Key Benefits
Fail-safe protection over fragile rooflights without blocking natural light
Modular design allows transport and installation on rooftops in segments
Raised or standard formats so the mesh is positioned to absorb impact without damaging the skylight beneath
Designed to meet non-fragility standards. Rooflight covers have been tested to BS EN ISO 1873: 2014 Part 2 and comply with the ACR Red Book.
Capable of retrofitting to existing rooflights without penetrating the roof membrane (non-penetrating clamps) on many roof types
With Kee Cover installed, workers can move safely around rooflights during inspections, repairs, or maintenance and be confident that there is a strong safety barrier below them.

Beyond Covers: Work at Height & Rescue Training
A product alone is not enough. Safe rooftop operations also demand skilled personnel who understand hazard assessment, correct use of protection systems, and rescue techniques should something go wrong.

MCL Height Safety delivers Work at Height training, rescue courses, and roof safety training programmes that integrate knowledge of rooflight protection systems such as Kee Cover. Our training ensures that your teams not only have the right equipment but also the competence to use it effectively and respond to emergencies.

Why Partner with MCL Height Safety
Expert guidance from a provider specialising in height safety
Seamless integration of hardware solutions (rooflight covers, guardrails, anchors) with training and rescue competence
Tailored rooftop safety systems to suit any roof profile or layout
Assurance of compliance with current safety standards and best practice
Take Action: Strengthen Your Rooflight and Skylight Safety Strategy Today
The Keighley rooflight incident exemplifies what can go dramatically wrong when rooftop safety is under-planned. You do not need to wait for a tragedy to prompt action.

Contact MCL Height Safety to:

Assess your rooflight risks
Specify and install Kee Cover or compatible protection systems
Train your workforce in working at height and rescue procedures
MCL’s Commitment to Safety
MCL Height Safety offers:

Offering Why It Matters
Work at Height Training Empowers teams to plan, recognise risks, and work safely at all elevations.
Rescue Training Courses Ensures that if an incident occurs, response is swift, effective, and life-saving.
Kee Safety Fall-Protection Systems Engineered solutions

The HSE has recently reported fine after fall from height:
Ahead of a demolition project at a vacant warehouse in Aberdeen, Lawrie (Demolition) Limited, appointed as principal contractor, failed to implement essential safety controls. On 25 May 2023, a 42-year-old employee, Mr Sylwester Zdunczyk, was working atop the roof removing aluminium cladding. Sheets were lowered through pre-cut roof openings using steel crowd-control barriers tied together with plastic wraps, but critically, these barriers were not affixed to the roof. With no additional fall-prevention measures in place, an accident occurred when Mr Zdunczyk lost his footing; the unsecured barriers moved, exposing a gap at the roof edge, and he fell approximately six metres, suffering a fractured pelvis and two broken ribs.

Mr Zdunczyk was hospitalised, unable to return to work for six months, and has not fully recovered. He now requires ongoing pain medication and can no longer engage in previous activities such as running, cycling, or playing football.

An HSE investigation concluded that Lawrie (Demolition) Limited had failed in its duty to properly plan, supervise, instruct, and train staff working at height. Crucially, adequate fall protection was not provided.

Fine after fall from height

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, receiving a fine of £40,562.50 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 12 June 2025.

HSE Inspector Muhammad Umair Tanvir warned:

“This incident could have been avoided by simply implementing appropriate control measures and safe working practices. Falls from height remain the leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in UK workplaces. In 2023/24, 50 workers died following a fall from height. The highest cause of workplace deaths an enduring and serious trend.” 


Why This Highlights the Value of MCL Height Safety Training and Kee Safety Solutions

At MCL Height Safety, we emphasise that no one should ever face a fall-related hazard without proper preparation and protection:

Work at Height and Rescue Training: These are not optional. Comprehensive training ensures that workers understand risk assessment, safe techniques, emergency response, and rescue. The lack of instruction and supervision in this case was a critical failure that training can prevent.

Effective Fall-Protection Systems: Guardrails, edge protection, personal fall-arrest systems, and compliance with industry standards are essential. In the HSE incident, the makeshift barriers failed catastrophically; using robust, professionally engineered systems like those from Kee Safety could have prevented the accident altogether.

MCL’s Commitment to Safety

We believe that every incident is preventable, and that the best defence against falls is a combination of expert training and trusted equipment. By partnering with MCL Height Safety and using Kee Safety solutions, employers can ensure regulatory compliance and, most importantly, protect lives.

If you would like more information or want to arrange training or fall-protection solutions, please get in touch. 

Over 60 years of combined trainer experience

Globally recognised IRATA and GWO training courses

93% Pass Rate

Multiple state-of-the-art training locations

Wide range of in-house courses developed according to BS8454 provided under one roof

Directly employed qualified trainers

On-site design, fabrication and inspection service

Equipment supply

Pay for your training in instalments when booking online

Phone 020 8558 5688

Email [email protected]

Prevention saves lives; safety shouldn’t be an afterthought.

New data highlights a worrying trend in construction safety: 42% of UK construction workers admit to breaking health and safety regulations, with work at height rules among the most frequently ignored.
This follows the Health and Safety Executive’s 2024/25 statistics, which once again confirm that falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in construction. In the past year alone, 51 fatal injuries were reported in construction — more than half due to falls from height.

These statistics underscore an urgent need for improved safety culture and consistent training across the industry.

Why Are Safety Rules Being Broken?
A recent UK-wide survey of 1,500 workers found the top reasons for non-compliance include:

Belief that rules are unnecessary (42%)
Perception that the risks don’t justify the precautions (37%)
Unsafe habits becoming normal (29%)
Rushing to complete work faster (23%)
Lack of awareness that a rule exists (20%)
A culture where bending the rules is accepted (20%)
The most commonly broken regulations include:

Not following work at height procedures (38%)
Failing to report incidents (38%)
Ignoring slip/trip hazards (24%)
Poor or missing risk assessments (22%)
Incorrect manual handling (21%)
Lack of PPE or refusal to wear it (13% combined)
Safety is not something to become complacent about — the consequences of cutting corners can be devastating. While fatalities grab headlines, life-changing injuries from falls at height are far more common and can have long-lasting effects on both the injured individual and their loved ones. A momentary lapse or ignored procedure can result in permanent disability, emotional trauma, and significant financial strain. Prioritising safety means protecting not just workers, but also the families and communities that depend on them.

Expert Insight: Stephen Laws, General Manager at Lighthouse Safety
“Too often we see ‘shortcuts’ being taken at height because workers feel pressured to meet deadlines or believe the task is too simple to require full precautions. That thinking is exactly what leads to serious injuries or worse.

Building a Culture of Safety
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. While employers are legally obliged to provide training and a safe working environment, it’s up to each worker to follow protocols.

Training courses such as Working at Height, Rope Access, Fixed Ladder and Confined Space Entry are critical in reinforcing the importance of safe practice.

Training is one of the most effective ways to reduce accidents when working at height. It equips workers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify risks, use equipment safely, and follow proper procedures. Without regular and up-to-date training, complacency and bad habits can quickly set in — increasing the risk of serious incidents. Investing in quality training ensures workers not only understand the regulations but also the reasons behind them, helping to build a stronger safety culture across the construction industry.

MCL Height Safety offers industry-leading work at height courses tailored to the construction and entertainment sectors, ensuring that everyone working at height is properly trained, equipped, and competent to perform their duties safely.

If you’re concerned about compliance or want to improve your team’s safety knowledge, get in touch with the MCL Height Safety team today.
Call: 0208 558 5688

Email: [email protected]

Visit: www.mclheightsafety.com

At MCL Height Safety, we provide high-quality IRATA Rope Access training across our unique indoor training centres, located within industrial developments and always close to public transport links and major train stations for convenience.

Whether you’re starting your career in rope access or advancing your qualification, our IRATA Level 1, 2 & 3 courses are delivered in professional, fully equipped training facilities by experienced instructors committed to safety and real-world application.

What Is Industrial Rope Access?
Industrial rope access is a highly effective, safe, and cost-efficient alternative to traditional access methods such as scaffolding or hydraulic platforms. Originating from climbing and caving techniques, rope access allows workers to reach difficult or otherwise inaccessible areas with minimal impact on structures or surrounding operations.

Unlike recreational climbing, industrial rope access employs a dual-rope safety system, making it one of the safest forms of working at height when properly trained and supervised.

What Is IRATA?
IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) is the global authority on industrial rope access. They set the standards for safe practice and are responsible for:

Certifying rope access technicians
Accrediting training providers
Providing independent assessors for certification exams
The IRATA Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS) ensures all technicians meet a consistently high standard of safety and competence. You can view the full TACS document here.

IRATA Training Levels at MCL Height Safety
We offer all three IRATA levels. Here’s a quick overview of what each level involves:

IRATA Level 1 – Technician
Ideal for newcomers, Level 1 technicians are trained to:

Perform basic rope access tasks under supervision
Inspect their own personal equipment
Assist in rigging and basic operations
Conduct simple rescues involving self-descent
Understand basic hauling systems
Note: Level 1 technicians cannot supervise others.

IRATA Level 2 – Lead Technician
For those with experience (usually after 1,000+ hours logged as a Level 1), Level 2 technicians can:

Rig working ropes for access and rescue
Perform more advanced rope access operations
Lead rescues
Understand safety legislation and quality assurance processes
IRATA Level 3 – Supervisor
The highest level of IRATA certification, Level 3 technicians are responsible for:

Supervising rope access work sites
Leading complex rescue operations
Demonstrating complete proficiency in Levels 1 and 2 techniques
Understanding advanced legislation and planning
Holding a valid First Aid certificate
Ensuring team compliance with the IRATA Code of Practice and TACS
Equipment & Facilities
All equipment is provided for the duration of the training. Our centres are equipped with a wide range of certified and regularly inspected gear, allowing candidates to familiarise themselves with different devices and real-life scenarios.

Each of our indoor facilities has been designed specifically for rope access training—safe, realistic, and tailored to IRATA’s high standards.

What to Wear
While all equipment is supplied, we recommend candidates wear:

Tracksuit bottoms or work trousers
T-shirts or sweatshirts (nothing too loose or baggy)
Trainers or work boots
Layered clothing to adapt to indoor temperatures
Comfort and mobility are key, so come prepared for physical activity.

Important Notice
From 30 May 2025, all technicians undergoing IRATA assessments—including new candidates registering for Level 1—must be registered through IRATA TechConnect prior to their assessment.

This is a mandatory requirement introduced by IRATA to enhance technician tracking and streamline certification processes.

You can read more about the TechConnect announcement on the official IRATA website.

To register and get started, follow this link: IRATA TechConnect – Register

Entry Requirements
To comply with IRATA entry conditions, all candidates must:

Be 18 years or older
Be physically fit and medically capable of working at height
No previous experience is required for Level 1. However, Levels 2 and 3 require:

A minimum number of logged hours and working days since the last assessment
Evidence of previous IRATA certification
Easy Access to Our IRATA Training Centres
All MCL IRATA training centres are located within industrial developments near mainline stations and public transport—making your commute to training as simple as possible.

Why Train with MCL?
Accredited by IRATA
Experienced instructors from the field
Realistic indoor training environments
Flexible scheduling and personalised sup