With working at height comes risk, in 2017/18, 35 workers died as result of an accident caused by working at height. That's 3 per month, which is an increase on the previous year.
According to the latest HSE statistics, there were also 44,400 non-fatal accidents involving falls from height across all industries. That's 121 accidents everyday.
Over 60% of deaths during work at height involve falls from ladders, scaffolds, working platforms, roof edges and through fragile roofs.
Typically accidents involving working at height (over two thirds) are caused by low falls using ladders and stepladders incorrectly, overstretching from ladders and standing on benches or chairs to reach high surfaces. Accidents can also involve access equipment, such as mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs).
Having the correct control measures in place and assessing the risk can ensure that your business avoids an accident. Always prepare people and equipment thoroughly and never, ever cut corners on safety procedures.
Prevention is always better than the cure. At HLS, we provide work at height risk assessments and site surveys where we can assess your work environment, discuss training and maintenance requirements, and use this information to make recommendations and devise an action plan. It’s the perfect starting point for safe and compliant working at height.
One of the most important aspects of the Work at Height regulations is selecting the right equipment that is most appropriate for the work being carried out.
There is a big range of equipment to choose from when a ladder or step ladder is not appropriate such as Push-around vertical lifts, Self-propelled vertical lifts, Tracked boom lifts, Mobile (self-propelled) boom lifts and Bespoke platforms.
Safe working at height training is essential for those who have to work in any area where they may be at risk from a fall from height. The aim of any work at height training course is to enhance people's awareness of the issues involved with working at height.
With there being such a large number of products and procedures to consider when working at height the important thing is to choose equipment which is most appropriate for the task at hand, complete a risk assessment and make sure the person using the equipment has had the correct training.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htms
http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/index.htm