Did you know that working at height was the most frequent cause of fatal accidents to workers in 2018/2019, accounting for 27% of the total. According to the latest HSE statistics, there were also 69,208 non-fatal accidents involving falls from height across all industries. Over 60% of deaths during work at height involve falls from ladders, scaffolds, roof edges and through fragile roofs.
Causes of typical accidents involving working at height include using ladders and stepladders incorrectly, over-stretching from ladders and standing on benches or chairs to reach high surfaces.
The big question is how can a business keep its workers safe, and stay compliant with its legal and regulatory obligations? The answer is easy, it’s all about training courses and equipment. When it comes to working at height the two things that will save your life are learning the correct procedure and using the correct equipment.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers and those in control of any work at height activity to ensure that the work is properly planned, well-supervised and carried out by competent people.
In general terms being competent to work at height means having the right skills, knowledge, training and experience. The precise definition of competence for a specific job depends on the nature of the work and the equipment being used.
You can’t prepare for or avoid a risk unless you understand it, so risk assessment is essential to safety. Consider everything that can go wrong, decide on the precautions required and write down the findings. Instruct and train your workforce in the precautions needed.
Method statements are widely used in the construction industry and are an effective way to help manage the work and communicate what is required, so that everyone involved is working with the same information. Training is important; it is a legal requirement in the UK that everyone who will use safety equipment is properly trained in the safe use of that equipment. Here at Oxford Safety we provide On-site training - we come to you!
Our mobile team of specialist trainers visit every site, usually as deliveries are made.
Training on site with equipment and our illustrated Method Statements ensures that everyone becomes competent with the Oxford Safety components.
Certificates, with individual names, are issued to those who satisfactorily complete each training course and we keep a record of every person who attends.
Our training sessions cover:
• Proper handling
• What each item does
• Working on real sites
• Knowing key points
• Using check lists
• Method statements
For more information on our equipment or to enquire about our mobile team of specialist trainers, call us on 01869 32 32 82 or email sales@oxfordsafety.com
