Roofers Tracking Guide

Roofing is consistently one of the highest-risk activities on UK construction sites. Falls from height account for the largest proportion of fatal injuries in construction, and roofers are disproportionately represented in these statistics. The compliance requirements for roofers reflect this — they are among the most scrutinised trades when it comes to site safety documentation.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 are the primary legislation governing roofing work. These regulations require that all work at height is avoided where possible, that collective fall protection (scaffolding, edge protection, safety netting) is used in preference to personal fall protection (harnesses), and that fragile surface procedures are followed wherever roofers may encounter materials such as fibre cement sheets, skylights, or deteriorated roof coverings.

Fragile surfaces are a particular hazard. The regulations require that no one passes across or near a fragile surface unless they have taken suitable precautions — typically staging boards, crawling boards, or nets beneath the fragile material. Every fragile surface must be identified in the RAMS before work begins, and warning signs must be posted.

Roofers must also comply with BS 5534, which specifies the fixing requirements for slates and tiles. Wind uplift calculations determine the number and type of fixings needed at different locations on the roof — perimeter zones, corner zones, and general field areas each have different requirements. Failure to fix tiles correctly can result in storm damage claims and Building Control enforcement.

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is the UK trade body for the roofing industry. NFRC membership provides independent inspection of completed work and access to insurance-backed guarantees. Many clients and main contractors require NFRC membership or equivalent accreditation as a condition of subcontract.

On site, roofers must hold CSCS cards, carry current insurance, produce task-specific RAMS that address height, fragile surfaces, and weather, and verify that scaffold edge protection is in place before starting roof-level work.