A dormer sits lower than the ridge — and that is exactly the trap

Nobody hesitates about the ridge: you do not go up there yourself. A dormer sits lower, you can sometimes almost reach it from the window, and that makes it treacherous — the sense of accessibility is exactly what invites the step.

The accident figures are not about spectacular heights. Dutch safety institute VeiligheidNL records roughly 5,700 accidents with portable climbing equipment treated at accident and emergency each year, and according to product safety authority NVWA 70% of those involved a fall from or with a ladder and 30% from or with a household step stool. The step stool: that is not roof work, that is the kitchen.

So the threshold sits lower than instinct suggests. The Dutch labour authority Arboportaal states on measures against fall risk: above 2.50 metres these are legally required, but below 2.50 metres the employer must also take measures if there is a risk of falling. And Arboportaal notes that falling from height still ranks first among workplace accidents. A dormer roof sits well above that line, and you stand on it with a roof slope behind you.

What does work: binoculars from the ground, and looking from the window without leaning out. Photograph the edge finishing, the cheeks and the junction with the roof surface — that is enough for a first judgement and enough to show a professional. If work follows, it falls under dormer renovation (€ 1,500-6,000); every guide rate is in the price index.