August Industry News: Lessons in Working at Height Safety

From tragic maintenance failures to risky work practices captured online, August’s industry news demonstrates the critical importance of proper equipment maintenance, operator training, and safety awareness when working at height. At HLS, we provide the training, guidance, and tools organisations need to ensure safety and compliance.

Fatal Fall at Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Glasgow Prestwick Airport was fined £144,050 after the death of Joseph Dempsey, 59, who fell approximately 10 feet when a corroded pallet loader guardrail failed.

HSE findings:

• Severe corrosion and defective welding in the guardrail.
• Non-standard, undocumented modifications.
• Lack of maintenance procedures covering critical components.

Lessons learned:
This tragedy highlights the absolute legal duty under PUWER regulations to maintain equipment in safe working order. Proper inspections, documented maintenance, and avoiding unauthorised modifications can save lives.

Click HERE to read more.

Through MEWP Pre-use Inspection Checklists and risk assessment forms, we guide teams to identify hazards, document equipment condition, and maintain compliance to help prevent incidents like this.

Unsafe Work on Roof Platforms

A social media video showed a worker hauling heavy bags from a roof into a truck-mounted platform. While the area was partly cordoned off, the harness was draped but not attached, making it ineffective.

Key lessons:

• Proper harness inspection and attachment is critical.
• Pre-use checks and correct setup prevent falls.

Click HERE to read more.

Our IPAF Harness Awareness and User training ensures workers understand how to fit, inspect, and use fall protection correctly. Combined with our Working at Height Expert Guide, your team can spot risks before they become accidents.

Standing on Guardrails in California

In La Jolla, California, workers stood on scissor lift guardrails to reach their work area. This kind of improvisation can lead to serious injury.

Safer alternatives:

• Use step-up options or a micro scissor lift to reach the required height safely.
• Plan worksite layout to position MEWPs correctly.

Click HERE to read more.

Our IPAF 3a, 3b, PAV, and 1b courses, along with MEWPs for Managers training, teach safe platform use, proper equipment selection, and risk mitigation strategies.

Positive Milestone: IPAF’s ePAL App Hits 1 Million Downloads

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Trackunit celebrated over one million downloads of the ePAL app since 2021.

App benefits:

• Digital storage of licences and qualifications.
• Guided pre-use checks for safe machine operation.
• Secure unlocking and logging of machine activity.

Click HERE to read more.

How HLS Supports Working at Height Safety

At HLS, we provide practical training, resources, and maintenance solutions to help your team work safely at height and stay fully compliant with regulations.

1. Planned Maintenance & Service Agreements
Keep your mobile access platforms in good working order and compliant with LOLER and PUWER regulations with our planned maintenance packages, which include:

• 2 × Thorough examinations (LOLER)
• 2 × Routine services and planned maintenance (PUWER)
• Detailed inspection reports & certificates
• Management of mandatory visits – we contact you when they are due

Request a quote HERE.

2. IPAF Harness Awareness & Use
Designed for managers, supervisors, and operatives, our HA & HU courses teach:

• Correct fitting and adjustment of harnesses and lanyards
• Conducting pre-use checks
• Identifying anchor points
• Implementing safe systems of work for MEWPs

We also offer harness kits and inspections.

Request a quote HERE.

3. Safe Equipment Use & Height Access
Through IPAF 3a, 3b, PAV, 1b, and MEWPs for Managers training, your team will learn:

• Safe platform selection and operation
• Planning for work at height
• Risk reduction and accident prevention

Learn more HERE.

4. Free HLS Resources

HLS provides practical tools to help your team stay safe and compliant when working at height.

• MEWP Pre-use Inspection Checklist covers documentation and certification, wheels and tyres, platform structure and functionality, signage and decals, and ground and platform controls. Download HERE.
• Work at Height Risk Assessment Template allows you to assess hazards, record findings, and plan safe working procedures, ensuring tasks are carried out safely and in line with regulations. Download HERE.

Key Takeaways

• Inspect All Components – Even minor equipment failures can be fatal.
• Follow Safe Practices – Improvised solutions put lives at risk.
• Harness Awareness Saves Lives – Correct inspection and attachment prevent falls.
• Prevention Beats Penalties – Proactive measures save lives and money.

Conclusion

August’s industry news shows that training, proper equipment use, and proactive inspections are essential for working at height safely. HLS provides the training courses, checklists, and guidance your team needs to work confidently, safely, and in full compliance.