HSE again issues working at height warning
June 9, 2008
Company bosses are again being urged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about implementing safe systems for employees working at height.
It follows the prosecution of a Birmingham firm after a sub-contracted plasterer fell four metres through a temporary timber handrail on the first floor of a barn, suffering wrist injuries and requiring a four-day stay in hospital.
Solihull magistrate's court ordered J R Holdom Contractors to pay £3,614 in fines and costs for breaching Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Karl Raw, the HSEs prosecuting inspector, said the company was liable as it had failed to implement suitable safety procedures.
"Sufficient measures had not been taken to support or protect anyone from falling from the landing area and the wooden handrail was not sufficiently secured," he stated.
The HSE believes companies which follow risk assessments, manage risks and choose the right equipment to prevent falls, will not fall foul of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
It follows the prosecution of a Birmingham firm after a sub-contracted plasterer fell four metres through a temporary timber handrail on the first floor of a barn, suffering wrist injuries and requiring a four-day stay in hospital.
Solihull magistrate's court ordered J R Holdom Contractors to pay £3,614 in fines and costs for breaching Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Karl Raw, the HSEs prosecuting inspector, said the company was liable as it had failed to implement suitable safety procedures.
"Sufficient measures had not been taken to support or protect anyone from falling from the landing area and the wooden handrail was not sufficiently secured," he stated.
The HSE believes companies which follow risk assessments, manage risks and choose the right equipment to prevent falls, will not fall foul of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
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NHS Trust backs HSE campaign - March 27, 2009
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