The statistics released from HSE show that 47% of all construction accidents were linked to falls from height. Additionally, it was reported that there were 29 fatal injuries in 2019/20 and nearly two-thirds of the deaths involved falls from access ladders, scaffolds, working platforms, roof edges and fragile roofs.
It is clear to height safety experts that these incidents could have been avoided. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 requires employers and anyone with responsibility for Work at Height activities to ensure that the projects are properly planned, supervised and conducted by qualified personnel. This generally means being competent when Working at Height, which involves having the right skills, knowledge, training and experience to carry out works in these high-risk environments.
Work at Height Systems Can Provide Adequate Fall Protection
To avoid incidents such as this in the workplace, it is essential to ensure that you have the correct Work at Height systems installed at your construction site. To prevent falls from Roof Access Ladders, ensure there is a Vertical Fall Arrest rail attached to the system, and check that you have the corresponding PPE. Falls from roofs can also be prevented through viable Edge Protection systems such as Guardrails. If your building does not have the capacity for Guardrails, ensure there is a Fall Protection solution installed such as a Fall Arrest or Fall Restraint system. Falls from fragile roofs can also be avoided by installing certified Skylight Fall Protection Covers.
The significant increase highlights the necessity for Work at Height systems within construction sites in the UK. All that is needed are simple measures such as hiring a certified Working at Height contractor such as Heightsafe Systems to install market-leading Fall Protection solutions that can support your personnel and any additional assets. The Compliance Testing department can also provide regular inspections for your Work at Height systems and certify them for future use, meaning your construction operatives are provided with height safety to prevent these figures from increasing further for the remainder of 2021.
Need Work at Height Solutions for Your Construction Site?
Heightsafe Systems are market-leading Work at Height contractors that can install, inspect and certify your Fall Protection systems for safe use by your personnel. For a free consultation and quote, contact us today online or by phone on 020 3819 7199.
