Falls from height continue to account for more deaths and serious injuries within the construction industry than any other activity. In fact, roofers account for 24% of those who are killed from a fall at height, whilst many others are seriously injured. It is for this reason that employers must be aware of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance on Health and Safety in roof work as well as the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) to ensure that employees completing roof work, or any other work at height activity, are doing so as safe as possible.
In January of this year, a Lincolnshire based construction company was prosecuted after a contractor fell on to a concrete floor and was hospitalised for two months. Accidents like this can be prevented if the correct procedures outlined by the WAHR are followed.
It is stated by the WAHR that when work at height activities cannot be avoided, work equipment and other appropriate measures must be put in place to prevent falls. Installing equipment such as walkway systems, guardrails and roof light protection can help to minimise or eliminate the risk of a fall.
Walkway systems offer anyone needing to access a roof, a more stable and secure means of traversing a roof and can often be installed with handrails and toe boards to ensure anti-slip safety. These systems highlight safe routes of travel around a roof surface and distribute pedestrian load evenly across the walkway.
Here at Heightsafe Systems we provide a number of innovative solutions for all walkway applications:
Like all height safety equipment, walkway systems must be tested and inspected every 12 months in line with EN 516 to remain compliant and safe for use. In between inspections, it is also advised that employees carry out pre-use checks to spot any equipment that may no longer be safe for use.
Here’s what you should be looking out for:
- Accidental damage
- A build-up of dirt and debris;
- Loose fixtures/ fittings;
- Vandalism;
- Corrosion and;
- Weather damage
At Heightsafe systems, our operatives regularly test and inspect walkway systems for any signs of the above. If necessary, a professional clean of the walkway is carried out to certify it is safe for use. We also ensure walkway systems remain compliant by notifiying employers and building managers/ owners a month prior to the recommended test date, so that it can be scheduled in advance.
If you would like some more information on the walkway systems and testing and inspection services that we provide, contact Heightsafe Systems on: 020 3819 7199.