Working at height must be thoroughly planned
June 4, 2008
The Health and Safety Executive is warning companies to check potential dangers employees are exposed to while working at height.
It follows the prosecution of Oldham metropolitan borough council after an employee fell from a bowls pavilion and broke his arm while he was applying anti-vandal paint to the roof of the building.
The local authority pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 4 and 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
HSE inspector Helen Jones believes the accident could have had more serious consequences and urged other employers to carry out thorough checks of workplaces.
"A proper assessment of the risks should have been carried out before the work started to identify the simple precautions needed to ensure safe means of accessing and descending and working on the roof," she said.
The HSE claims 45 workers died and 3750 were seriously injured as a result of falling from height last year.
It follows the prosecution of Oldham metropolitan borough council after an employee fell from a bowls pavilion and broke his arm while he was applying anti-vandal paint to the roof of the building.
The local authority pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 4 and 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
HSE inspector Helen Jones believes the accident could have had more serious consequences and urged other employers to carry out thorough checks of workplaces.
"A proper assessment of the risks should have been carried out before the work started to identify the simple precautions needed to ensure safe means of accessing and descending and working on the roof," she said.
The HSE claims 45 workers died and 3750 were seriously injured as a result of falling from height last year.
More Working at Height news:
Police seminar 'includes working at height training' - December 24, 2008Worker fined GBP 2,500 after accident - December 24, 2008
Hospitality workshop focuses on slips and trips - December 2, 2008
Final slice of health and safety Cake - December 1, 2008
British Gas pays £4,700 after accident - November 28, 2008
