In February, the HSE announced a month-long intensive inspection initiative aimed at construction sites.
Reports from the first three regions suggest that problems were serious enough for a prohibition notice to be issued on as many as one in four of the sites visited.
Particular areas of concern for inspectors included whether:
Jobs which involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are in place.
Equipment is correctly installed, assembled, inspected, maintained and used properly.
Sites are well organised to avoid trips and falls.
Walkways and stairs are free from obstructions.
Work areas are clear of unnecessary materials and waste.
Over half of the prohibition notices issued involved work at height. This was also the case in the previous construction site inspection blitz carried out in 2010.
Falls from height caused over 4,000 major injuries in 2008/09. Managing work at height follows a hierarchy of controls to avoid, prevent or reduce the risk.
The process starts by assessing the risks and deciding on the precautions required. This assessment should be recorded and reviewed as necessary. The first question will be “can the work be done safely from the ground?”
Where the work has to be done at height, it is important to 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.
Remember - fall restraints and safety netting should only be considered as a last resort if other safety equipment cannot be used.
For more information or if you have any questions surrounding the information in this article please contact Crown House on 01777 861 861 or e-mail Jacky Millard
Motor Trade