Working at height? Help is on hand
Sep 3, 2012
Work at height continues to be one of the most hazardous activities most organisations carry out and remains a key issue for Health & Safety inspectors. On average 50 people die every year due to falls from height and a further 8,700 are seriously injured. The HSE has promoted key messages for those responsible for risk assessments.
Some key messages are:
- Follow the hierarchy for managing risks from work at height - take steps to avoid, prevent or reduce risks; and
- Choose the right work equipment and select collective measures to prevent falls (such as guardrails and working platforms) before other measures which may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall (such as nets or airbags) or which may only provide personal protection from a fall
By logging on to HSE website and answering six questions, the on-line tools can help you to select the most appropriate items of access equipment. Each question is supported by guidance and each suggestion for a piece of equipment such as a tower scaffold, mobile elevated work platform or stepladder is accompanied by further information.
This simple tool will prove very useful when planning work at height tasks and will assist in recording risk assessments for these activities. For further information, contact Wilby Risk Management on 01422 358 525 or request a callback from one of our risk management consultants.
