NIOSH logo and tagline

A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Contractor Dies When He Falls Through a Skylight

California Case Report: 16CA005

SUMMARY

A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor was working alone inspecting an air conditioning (AC) unit on a flat roof of a converted warehouse when he fell through an unguarded skylight to the concrete floor below. He died 19 days later from his injuries. The skylight did not have any protective screen or guarding mechanism at the time of the incident. The contractor was an owner operator and did not have any written policies, procedures, or safety documents.

A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Contractor Dies When He Falls Through a Skylight [PDF 932KB]