WORKING AT HEIGHTS
FEATURE SPONSOR
WORKING AT HEIGHT (WAH) THE RISKS & REGULATIONS
In a direct attempt to reduce the risk exposed to anyone whilst WAH and to prevent any unnecessary deaths or injuries, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/735) were introduced (followed shortly after by the Work at Height Amendment Regulations 2007 [S.I. 2007/114]).
To summarise, these regulations are built upon the premise of avoiding WAH whenever possible, however in many industries (wind energy, offshore, construction, etc.) this is not always a viable option and in these instances the key focus must be on risk avoidance and minimisation.
ANALYSIS
John Hare and Michael Johnson (2009) re-iterated the prevalence of this risk by using investigation reports and RIDDOR to analyse a sample of 67 offshore incidents, involving both fatalities and major injuries, they subsequently concluded that falls from height were amongst the three most common types of accident to occur within the industry (now regarded as the fourth most common according to a 2013 Statistics Report released by the HSE).
EVER-PRESENT RISK
Despite this progress the risk posed by WAH is, as it always will be, ever-present and thus so is the need to embed proper preventative and responsive measures within all WAH operations (with preventative measures taking priority).
EXAMPLES INCLUDE… • Providing the workforce with the essential safety training/WAH techniques required prior to commencing work on site
• An intricate permit to work system & better monitoring of the workforce
• Proper PPE & fall prevention/fall arrest measures
• Having an established adverse-weather policy
WAH WITHIN THE WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY
Although the previously referenced case study by Hare and Johnson (2009) refers to accidents within the offshore industry, the very nature of producing wind energy on a large- scale basis harbours some equally, if not more, severe risks with regards to WAH; especially when you take into consideration that wind turbines (on average) are constructed of 116-ft blades atop a 212-ft tower (amassing together to create a staggering total height of 328-ft).
UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES Charles Anglin (RenewableUK’s Director of Communications) stated that “In stressful situations any power equipment may develop faults and that’s true of gas, nuclear, oil and is also true of wind.” Therefore although a key preliminary focus should be placed on risk prevention and minimisation whilst WAH within the wind energy industry, unforeseen circumstances can still ultimately arise as a result of human or mechanical error - consequently making it crucial to ensure that effective emergency response measures are also in place.
CSC EXPERTISE
As a result of CSC’s extensive expertise within these areas of the wind energy industry, the company was specifically chosen by several contractors and suppliers to provide a large proportion of the required training for the ‘Scroby Sands Wind Farm Project’ (Round One).
ETHOS & SPECIALISED WAH COURSES Over nearly two decades the company has earned a globally renowned reputation within the energy sector, as well as numerous other fields, for their effectiveness in inaugurating comprehensive safety management systems and for their competency in delivering & customising a wide array of high quality safety training courses (encompassing a diversified range of accreditations).
However with specific reference to WAH and WAH related activities the following courses are available…
• Working at Height & Rescue at Height • Permit to Work • Risk Assessment • Harness User & Inspection • MEWP (All Classes) • Scaffolding (Mobile Scaffold Towers) • Specialised Confined Space (Entry, Working & Rescue)
• High Voltage Awareness • Ladder Access • Manual Handling • Fire & First Aid Related Courses
CSC Click to view more info
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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