The HSE have released their 2018/2019 workplace fatality statistics and FALLS FROM HEIGHT continue to be the top kind of fatal accident.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm
The figure is up on previous years so we must remain vigilant, strive to be safe and help others be safe.
Work at height means work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. You are working at height if you:
- work above ground/floor level
- could fall from an edge, through an opening or fragile surface or
- could fall from ground level into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground
Falls from height range from falling off the first rung of a step ladder, falling off an unprotected roof edge, or down a manhole; everyone needs to be aware what WORKING AT HEIGHT is, who it affects and how to manage it.
We all know that the best way to avoid injuries through Working at Height would be to eliminate it all together, but this is just not realistic so other control measures must be put in place to ensure the safety of our workers.
Control measures include - Eliminate, Isolate, Substitute/Reduce, Training & PPE.
Training will need to be supplied to all those WORKING AT HEIGHT, even if it is just instructions on how to use a ladder safely, although lots of employers and contractor sites require more robust training courses.
Suitable PPE and PFPE (Personal Fall Protection Equipment) must be provided to our workers free of charge, but this can only protect us so far, so instilling in your workers a good work ethic is very important.
We are all responsible for safety s , if you see something WRONG, do something RIGHT - you could prevent someone from injury or death.
