to minimise the distance and consequences of any fall must be put in place. Prevent any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury, for example by using a scaffold platform with double guard-rail and toeboards.


Equally importantly, arrest a fall with equipment to minimise the distance and consequences of one occurring. Options include safety nets, where work at height cannot be avoided or the risk of falling prevented.


Remember, whenever work at height accidents are investigated and employers are prosecuted, one of the most common findings is that the work was not properly planned or supervised.


INVOLVE EVERYONE An important part of the planning process is consulting the building owner or client. They will know, for example, if the window and/or building design allows for safe access from the inside, so that working from height can be avoided. When everyone is working together with an agreed and co-ordinated approach, that's the simplest way to reduce the risks.


BE PROACTIVE The old 'prevention is better than cure' adage has never been truer than it is when working at height. When things go wrong, people suffer injuries which can sometimes prove fatal. So being ahead of the game is literally a matter of life and death. Assess the risks accurately and change the assessment as soon as new information is available. Prepare people and equipment thoroughly and never, ever cut corners on safety procedures.


Finally, given my line of business, it would be remiss of me not to mention the importance of training and qualifications for key staff. The many NEBOSH, IOSH and other training courses we offer for employees and managers at all levels can play a crucial role in keeping everyone in the cleaning industry as safe as possible.


www.phoenixhsc.co.uk www.tomorrowscleaning.com WORKING AT HEIGHT | 41


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