September 2005 - Small Business News

Be Safe (and Legal) at Heights - HSE
 

If you work on ladders or at heights then you should be aware of the risks and regulations; yet despite increased knowledge of the dangers of working at heights, the number of trades-people falling is not reducing.

Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) shows that the number of trades people or employees seriously injured from falling in 2003-2004 was almost 4000, with 67 falls sadly being fatal. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 are designed to help prevent incidents like these; by ensuring that either the employer or self-employed contractor has a duty to look after safety and prevent serious accidents.

Since the 6^th April 2005, employers, the self-employed, and building owners/facilities managers who contract others to work at height; are duty bound to ensure basic safety and minimize risks as much as possible.

Duty Holders Must Ensure:

• All work at height has been properly planned and organised

• Those involved in work at height are competent (I.e.: Suitably trained)

• The risks of the work is assessed and appropriate work equipment is used

• The risks from fragile surfaces are minimised

• All equipment is properly inspected and maintained

There is a simple three step hierarchy for work to be done at height:

1. Avoid work at height where possible; use an alternative if available

2. Use equipment and other measures to prevent falls if the work must be done at height

3. Where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated, use work equipment and other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a possible fall.

Certain safety measures will need inspection before being relied on; though it makes sense to test all safety measures before the work begins.

The HSE has joined forces with Dulux Decorator Centers to promote safe working at height practices to painters and decorators. From today, painters and decorators visiting nominated Dulux Decorator Centers across the country will be able to discuss the risks of working at height, complying with the new Working at Height regulations, suitable work at height equipment and best practice, with HSE inspectors, informally and without taking up too much of their working day.

The remaining dates are: 14^th- Birmingham, 14^th- Hemel Hempstead, 15^th- Newcastle upon Tyne, 15^th- Nottingham, 19^th- Stratford, 20^th- Salford, 21^st- Rayleigh, 26^th- Southampton and 29^th- Yeovil.