Skylight safety takes center stage on rooftops

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Evolving building codes and aging skylights are pushing contractors to rethink fall protection strategies. 

As colder weather drives more crews onto existing commercial roofs to tend to aging skylight systems, skylight safety is becoming a critical operational focus for contractors. During this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, VELUX Commercial North America’s role in helping contractors navigate that challenge came into focus, with director of commercial sales Brian Grohe outlining how changes in codes, technology and enforcement have reshaped the conversation. 

Brian explained that the recent increase in skylight installations is closely tied to evolving building codes. “Building codes have evolved over the last five to 10 years pretty significantly,” he said, noting a growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability that has led to more daylighting through roof-mounted systems. At the same time, advancements in materials have improved performance and reliability, helping to move past long-held assumptions that skylights inevitably leak or fail. 

That progress, however, introduces new risks for contractors working around aging or unprotected units. Brian pointed to skylights as both physical obstacles and potential roof openings, especially when units have degraded, been temporarily patched or no longer perform as intended. “There could be a potential risk for someone to accidentally trip on something like that or bump into it as they’re working on the rooftop space,” he said, adding that failed skylights can also create serious fall hazards. 

Regulatory uncertainty compounds the issue. Brian noted that OSHA’s post-2018 standards require roof openings to withstand twice the intended load but leave key definitions to building owners. “It’s a very vague way of defining what the opening needs to be able to withstand for a fixed skylight,” he said, which can leave contractors unsure how to remain compliant. 

Rather than claiming definitive compliance, Brian said VELUX focuses on education and transparency. “There is no such thing as an OSHA approved product,” he said, explaining that the company provides impact and fall-resistance testing data so contractors and owners can make informed decisions. 

That guidance extends to assessing existing conditions, from UV degradation and cracking to outdated smoke-vent designs. By reviewing photos and project scope, Brian said VELUX can recommend higher-impact materials and supplemental fall protection options that balance safety with jobsite efficiency. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about skylight safety resources and contractor support from VELUX Commercial!