Consumer Products
Plastic Skylight Breaking Causing Injury
By Dr. Duane Priddy Sr. · Published September 15, 2022
FORENSIC EVIDENCE
Pictured: A white domed plastic skylight on a rooftop with a large jagged hole broken through it, exposing the dark roof interior and timber below
A CASE STUDY
The following case study is the property of Plastic Expert Group and cannot be copied or distributed without prior permission. Our case analysis does not imply that this specific plastic failure will happen systematically. Every case is unique and should be treated accordingly.
PROBLEM: PLASTIC SKYLIGHT BREAKING CAUSING INJURY
Why are there so many injuries caused by roof maintenance workers falling through skylights and what can be done to keep workers safe?
SOLUTION: UV STABILITY OR SOMETHING ELSE?
Skylights are manufactured using clear or translucent plastic. Skylights are supposed to be manufactured to withstand the impact of a person falling against it without breaking.
Unfortunately, unless plastics are properly stabilized against UV degradation, the plastic becomes brittle and will break if someone steps on it or falls against it.
Plastic Expert Group are experts in plastic failure analysis. If you know someone was injured by falling through a skylight, we have worked on multiple cases in the past, and can determine the root cause of your skylight breaking.
Feel free to share your problem or questions with us and let’s discuss!
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