As falls from height remain the highest cause of workplace accidents, a leading access equipment provider, WernerCo, is issuing a warning that anyone failing to follow correct procedures could face a hefty fine or even a prison sentence.
According to Health and Safety Executive, 40% of working at height accidents in the UK occur when using ladders, and the majority of those happened when safe access had not been provided.
However, it’s not just personal safety that is put at risk. Recently a scaffolder was spared jail after not following the correct procedures when working 60ft up the side of a building. The court ruled that not only their personal safety was at risk but also that of the public.
Jamie Brassington, product manager at WernerCo, said: “Although working at height is unavoidable in many industries, we are keen to promote safe practices when using access equipment. It may seem obvious that risk assessments and equipment checks be carried out prior to even setting one foot on a ladder, but thousands of accidents are still occurring every year.
“To ensure maximum safety choosing the correct equipment is paramount. Considerations should be placed into such things as load capacity, including the weight of the tools and materials being used to carry out the job, and the time spent working at height.”
To learn more about safe working at height practices WernerCo holds monthly training sessions for both users and inspectors. Both courses comprise practical and theory assessments, covering when and how to use, how to handle and how to store a ladder, as well as how to highlight potential hazards. For inspectors, delegates can learn how to assess and determine when it is appropriate to inspect a ladder or stepladder, and how to recommend the correct action if faults are found.