Construction & Trade
Roofing Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for roofing work.
Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026
The essential guide to roofing safety
Roofing is one of the most dangerous construction activities, with falls from height being a leading cause of workplace fatalities. From pitched roofs and flat roofs to fragile surfaces, roofers face constant fall hazards.
This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough roofing risk assessment—from edge protection and harness systems to fragile surface protocols and weather considerations.
Trade & Construction
Trade & Construction
Activity Benefits
Why professional roofing matters
Weather Protection
Protects buildings from weather and elements.
Insulation
Contributes to building thermal efficiency.
Waterproofing
Prevents water ingress and damage.
Longevity
Extends the lifespan of structures.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Falls from HeightHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Fatal or serious injuries from falls from roof edges or through fragile materials.
Control Measures
- Install edge protection before roof access
- Use safety netting where appropriate
- Personal fall arrest systems as last resort
- Ensure safe access via scaffold or tower
Fragile SurfacesHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Falls through skylights, cement sheets, or deteriorated roofing materials.
Control Measures
- Identify all fragile surfaces before access
- Use crawling boards and roof ladders
- Install covers over skylights
- Mark fragile areas clearly
Weather ConditionsMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Slips on wet surfaces, wind blow-off, heat exhaustion, hypothermia.
Control Measures
- Check weather forecasts before work
- Stop work in high winds or heavy rain
- Secure loose materials
- Provide shelter and hydration
Manual HandlingMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Strains from carrying heavy tiles, battens, and materials up ladders.
Control Measures
- Use mechanical hoists for materials
- Stage materials on scaffold
- Avoid carrying loads on ladders
- Team lift heavy items
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 34 hazards and 105+ control measures for Roofing, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Roofing safety checklist
Fall Protection
- Edge protection installed
- Safety netting in place
- Harnesses and lanyards available
- Anchor points identified
Access
- Scaffold erected and inspected
- Ladder secured at top
- Safe access route defined
- Exclusion zone at ground level
PPE
- Hard hats worn
- Safety boots with good grip
- Harness inspected
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Fragile Surfaces
- All fragile areas identified
- Skylights covered
- Crawling boards available
- Warning signs displayed
Ready to create your roofing risk assessment?
Use our step-by-step wizard to generate a professional risk assessment in minutes.