WORKING AT HEIGHT HIGH HOPES
Dale Shaw, Managing Director at Lifting Gear Direct, delves into what the biggest change in building safety for a generation will mean for working at height measures.
“New designs now feature a chest strap that can slide unobstructed along the front webbing of the harness post-fall to remove
pressure on the neck and throat.”
new designs now feature a chest strap that can slide unobstructed along the front webbing of the harness post-fall to remove pressure on the neck and throat, along with adjustable back padding to help relieve pressure on the collarbone. Both changes make it easier to breathe and help users remain calm while hanging in suspension.
When, in January 2020, the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, announced a new Building Safety Regulator within the Health and Safety Executive was to be established immediately, there was genuine industry- wide enthusiasm.
The regulator will ensure building owners are responsible for their building’s safety and where there is no clear plan for remediation, the government will work with local authorities to support them in their enforcement options. This regulation has been escalated since many building owners have still not taken sufficient measures to ensure the safety of residents in buildings at all heights. It has since forced a rise in the awareness of working at heights, health and safety and the equipment needed to adhere to government guidelines.
When working at height, health and safety equipment can be viewed as an insurance policy that you wear to protect you from falling. The right fall protection equipment can mean the difference between life and death, making equipment design and functionality more important than ever. This includes, harness kits, rescue cages, high vis jackets, adjustable rope restraints and so much more. Traditionally, fall protection equipment is designed to stop a fall, but not all equipment is designed to perform in a post-fall situation.
The push from Government guidelines has not only increased awareness of equipment, but has also accelerated the innovation surrounding health and safety. Many new fall protection harnesses now feature innovative designs that address other issues of discomfort in a post-fall condition. For example,
16
Furthermore, new fall protection harnesses on the market feature additional handles on the back of the leg straps that allow users to, with their thumb or four fingers, shift their weight into a ‘chair in the air’ position, resembling a typical seated pose. This allows for increased blood flow by relieving pressure on the femoral arteries, reducing stress on the groin area and lessening the risk of suspension trauma. Often, these added handles are easily distinguished from the rest of the harness with bright coloring - some crucial developments in design that are now seen as life saving.
When we look at advances in technology across this industry, it has not only impacted the effectiveness of the equipment itself, but the wider marketplace. E-commerce websites now make it easier than ever for businesses to browse a range of products, order samples, understand it’s uses and purchase equipment. The B2B online marketplace for health and safety equipment has evolved greatly, not only highlighting the importance of risk management and the need for equipment, but it has also improved B2B knowledge about that equipment.
The necessity for using the right equipment when working from heights has never been more important, given the often-costly legal ramifications if things go wrong. So always ensure yourself and your workers have the right kit before commencing any task at any height for everyone’s safety and peace of mind.
With any lifting operation, there are many things that you need to think about and consider. There are often dozens of moving parts and pieces involved, and there can be several factors involved with the planning and health and safety of said operation.
www.liftinggeardirect.co.uk/ www.tomorrowshs.com
"
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58
