Feature
ways in which regulation can play a part in stopping preventable deaths and life-changing injuries. The first is to ensure organisations take a proactive approach to planning for Work at Height activities by making the correct equipment a legal requirement. Making Work at Height equipment a legal
requirement on redevelopment projects, with a minimum standard set in building regulations would significantly impact on the downtrend for these entirely preventable incidents. Of course, this would impact budgets and as such it would be sensible to also offer tax relief for businesses actively investing in Work at Height equipment to protect their personnel, similar to the Land Remediation Relief currently available in the asbestos industry. Ensuring that the right safety equipment
is available to workers should be seen as a basic requirement. Unfortunately, it often takes an incident or near-miss to spur action and investment in equipment. When lives are being put in jeopardy this is not a risk worth taking.
Benchmark competition and drive compliance
Another way to drive down avoidable incidents would be for RIDDOR statistics to be easily accessible online for businesses in high-risk industries. A certification scheme from RIDDOR, providing proof of an organisation’s accident statistics would allow comparison and benchmarking against competitors and peers. If the HSE were to continually monitor and report on the Health and Safety performance of contractors in high-risk industries, they could score contractors against set metrics to aid in a proactive approach.
What can be done now to stop preventable deaths and injuries?
The fact is that while debates are aired over the best ways to deal with these avoidable incidents, people are still getting injured and lives ruined. Industry shouldn’t wait for regulators to come knocking before they act. Here’s what can be done right now: 1. Training – The Work at Height Regulations
2005 state that as an employer or duty holder, you are required to ensure that all employees have access to Work at Height equipment that reflects the requirements and regulations, including training in the use of equipment.
2. Fall Protection Systems – Current Health and Safety legislation dictates that Fall Protection systems should be in place when employees or contractors carry out work at height (2 metres or higher).
3. Safe Equipment – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a vital part of protecting against the risks posed whilst Working at Height. This includes items such as safety harnesses, lanyards and karabiners – legally required when using some Personal Fall Protection systems. As an employer it is your duty to ensure that employees are fully trained when it comes to selecting the correct PPE for the job.
4. Inspection, Testing and Compliance – The PUWER Regulations 1998 state that regular maintenance and testing of Work at Height equipment and PPE is required to remain compliant. If your systems are not visibly tagged and in compliance, it
may not only invalidate your insurance, but could also lead to prosecution, should an employee, contractor or even trespassers suffer injuries.
5. Building a proactive WAH culture – Consider how you as a Facilities Manager contribute to the Work at Height culture of your organisation. Do you welcome feedback and concerns from colleagues? Do you alert management to your own, and others concerns and encourage employee participation in safety awareness? Do you know who you can work with in your organisation to encourage positive, proactive change?
We know that FMs want to make work
safe. As much as regulation may be seen as an additional burden, it should be viewed as a tool to help focus business leaders on the need to support their FMs to put safety first and foremost in any project.
More advice on safe
Working at Height is available on the Heightsafe blog
www.heightsafesystems.com/blogs.
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