Restrict access to rooftops, balconies, upper-floor windows, and other dangerous locations on campus to prevent injuries.
Falls from rooftops, balconies, and upper-floor windows can cause serious injury and even death. Fire escapes and rooms storing high-voltage electrical equipment also have been scenes of tragic accidents.
Your K-12 school, college, or university may be held liable for injuries sustained while in a restricted area on campus even if the person wasn’t authorized to be there. Liability can occur if an institution allows “unreasonably dangerous” conditions that cause injury to someone in the restricted area.
Prevent Access to Restricted Areas
- Identify all campus locations designated as restricted access. Regularly inspect these locations. Document the inspections.
- Prohibit dangerous activities such as climbing onto ledges, accessing the roof, and climbing onto fire escapes — except in emergencies.
- Ensure locks or access pads are intact and working properly.
- Use alarms to alert personnel of unauthorized access.
- Post warnings about restricted areas. Include language such as “Keep Out” or “Authorized Access Only."
- Notify residents about restricted areas in campus housing and residence halls. Provide notification at the beginning of each school term.
- Consult building codes. Ensure all safety regulations are followed.
Prevent Access to Restricted Areas
Falls from rooftops, balconies, and upper-floor windows can cause serious injury and even death. Fire escapes and rooms storing high-voltage electrical equipment also have been scenes of tragic accidents.
Your K-12 school, college, or university may be held liable for injuries sustained while in a restricted area on campus even if the person wasn’t authorized to be there. Liability can occur if an institution allows “unreasonably dangerous” conditions that cause injury to someone in the restricted area.
When faculty members refuse or fail to implement approved accommodations for students with disabilities, it could lead to claims being filed against your institution. Refusals to accommodate may happen more often for students who have an “invisible” disability, most often mental health related, because faculty may believe they aren’t “real” disabilities needing accommodation. During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many students with disabilities might seek updated or new accommodations such as extended test time or technological modifications as they learn remotely. When student accommodations are approved by the college or university, it’s crucial to remind your faculty how to properly react and respond.
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Additional Resources
Stanford University: Guidelines for Safe Roof Access
The University of Utah: Roof Access Training
Virginia Tech: Roof Access
By Alyssa Keehan, Esq., CPCU, ARM, Director of Risk Research. Alyssa oversees the development of UE’s risk management content, ensuring reliable and trustworthy guidance for our members. She previously handled liability claims in UE’s resolutions department and, prior to that, held positions in the fields of education and insurance. Her areas of expertise include campus sexual misconduct, Title IX, threat assessment, campus security, contracts and risk transfer.
April 2020, Updated November 2020