The Importance of Adhering to a Working at Height Policy

24th May 2017

The S2 Partnership has previously highlighted falls from height as being the most common cause of fatality for UK workers – and this remains true today.  Of the 144* fatal injuries to workers in 2015/16 in Great Britain, the highest number by accident kind were accounted for by fall from a height – 37 cases.

Although the figure of 144 worker deaths in 2015/16 is 7%** lower than the average for the past five years (155), there is still a long way to go and the importance of having a working at height policy which is strictly adhered to cannot be underestimated.

Two roofing contractors were recently fined after men were seen working on a roof without edge protection or anything in place to prevent them falling through the roof onto mill workers below.

An HSE investigation concluded that the roof, in Oldham, was covered in fragile skylights, which had not been covered to prevent any person stepping onto them and falling through.  HSE inspectors also established that these working practices continued during snowy weather.

HSE inspector Matt Greenly said after the case: “MKM and Clad-It failed in their duties to protect the roof workers and anyone working below them in the mill from a foreseeable risk of serious harm.

“The risks to workers here were obvious, and neither company thought it necessary to manage the work at height risks properly.”

Such cases highlight the need to plan for working at height and ensure that those plans are closely monitored to secure the safety of those involved.

Should you have any concerns about undertaking work at height, please contact us.  Our highly-experienced health and safety consultants undertake Working at Height Risk Assessments, which ensure that standards meet the specific requirements of the Work at Height Regulations.

A site-specific report will be produced which contains details of the areas examined, risk assessment and actions to be implemented. Actions will be supported with digital photographs, where necessary.  Our consultant will also examine safe working practices, method statements and risk assessments provided by contractors who access these areas.

We also deliver Work at Height Awareness Training, should you wish to receive details, please contact us.

*Source: RIDDOR

**Source: HSE