The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has launched its "Don't Fall for Fragile – Step Back & Plan" campaign to tackle the ongoing toll of deaths and serious injuries caused by falls through fragile roofs and rooflights.

NFRC is calling on the roofing sector and the wider construction industry to take practical steps to identify risks and prevent falls from height, with a focus on driving positive change through action on site and at the planning stage.

The campaign is designed to help contractors, clients, designers and building owners spot fragile roof risks early, plan work correctly and stop unsafe shortcuts before harm occurs.

"Every year, workers are killed or seriously injured after falling through fragile roofs and rooflights. These incidents are entirely foreseeable and preventable. The purpose of NFRC's 'Don't Fall for Fragile – Step Back & Plan' campaign is simple: encourage everyone involved in roof work to stop, assess the risks properly, and put effective controls in place before anyone sets foot on the roof."

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"Don't Fall for Fragile is about challenging assumptions. A roof that looks safe may not be safe. That's why this campaign focuses on planning, competence and making the right decisions at the earliest stage of a project." explains Gary Walpole, Technical Safety, Health and Environment Officer at NFRC.

The initiative asks anyone working at height—or involved in planning such work—to pledge their commitment and reinforce safer planning, access and working practices across their workforce and supply chain.

"Clients, designers and contractors all have a role to play. The principles of prevention tell us that risks should be eliminated or reduced at the earliest opportunity. The safest solution is rarely found once work has already started' continues Gary.

The launch follows NFRC's recent Cut the Dust campaign and forms part of a wider strategy centred on health, safety and wellbeing—providing practical guidance and solutions to help individuals, employers and clients follow best practice and foster a positive culture across the built environment.

"The statistics for falls from height are devastating," says Gary, "and we must come together to change that."

"Don't Fall for Fragile echoes the fantastic work of No Falls Foundation by providing people education, guidance, and practical steps to take. I really encourage anyone involved with working at height to get behind this campaign and pledge their support."

Those who pledge will receive a printable PDF poster, a certificate, NFRC guidance and a social media pack. To find out more, visit nfrc.co.uk/step-back-and-plan.