Height Aware Campaign

Background Work at height Who the campaign is for What will happen Work at Height Regulations 2005

Background: Statistics Biggest Killer 53 Fatal Accidents 2004/ Major Accidents 2004/05 Falls are one of the main causes of major accidents 2/3 of all major injuries caused by low falls (below head height)

Height Aware - audience Aimed at people in the building and plant maintenance sectors in widest sense Building and maintenance sector account for approximately 50% of all falls from height injuries each year

Height Aware – objectives Procurers: –Ensure you select competent contractors to work at height Doers: –Identify suitable activities and precautions –Select the most appropriate equipment for the job

Height Aware – is it you? Do you carry out maintenance work or other related tasks? Are you an electrician or a mechanical/ electrical fitter? Do you clean windows are part of your job? Do you paint and decorate whilst at work? If so, then are you Height Aware?

Height Aware – is it you? Do you use a ladder as part of your work? Do you work from low level platforms, such as podium steps, hop ups or trestles? Do you use scaffolding or specialist equipment such as cherry pickers or scissor lifts? Do you stand on chairs or desks to carry out tasks? If so, then are you Height Aware?

Height Aware – is it you? Do you plan the work at height you do? Do you see work at height as part of your job, or as something that someone else should worry about? Do you realise the dangers (both physical and financial) of falling from height at work? If not, then you need to be Height Aware!

Height Aware - activities Media – radio and newspaper adverts Events – Safety and Health Awareness Days, breakfast meetings, point of sale initiatives Inspector visits – HSE and Local Authority

Media activities – what you might see

Work at Height Regulations 2005 Came into force on 6 April 2005 Regulations consolidate good practice Height Aware will help consolidate the requirements of the WAHR

Organisation, Planning, Competence Work at height should be Properly planned Appropriately supervised Not carried out if weather conditions jeopardise health and safety Those working at height should be competent or if being trained supervised by a competent person

Risk Assessment Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations Do a risk assessment

WAHR - Hierarchy Avoid work at height if you dont have to go up there DONT! Prevent falls use an existing place or means of access Use the most suitable way of working Mitigate distance and consequences

Hierarchy - Avoid

Hierarchy – Prevent Edge Protection – good and bad

Hierarchy – Prevent Scaffolding – good and bad

Hierarchy – Prevent MEWPs – good and bad

Hierarchy – Mitigate Air Bags – good and bad

Hierarchy – Mitigate Nets – good and bad

Personal fall arrest Work restraint Fall arrest

Select the right work equipment Working conditions Access and Egress Distance and consequences of a fall Duration and frequency of use/task Collective measures before personal Ease of rescue/evacuation Risk of use, installation and removal of equipment

Other requirements Avoid risks from Fragile Surfaces Prevent Falling Objects Warn about Danger Areas Inspect work equipment Persons at work should: Follow instructions and training Advise employer of hazards/risks to health and safety

Ladder Use Risk assessment must justify use; Low risk, Short duration, Or Site conditions dictate Follow good practice

If its right to use a ladder, use the right ladder, use it safely.

Key Messages Take a moment, not a fall Protect your business from falls Do a risk assessment, plan and organise your work properly Follow the hierarchy: avoid – prevent – minimise Use the right equipment – use it safely

Further Information Height Aware - Campaign pack The Work at Height Regulations – a brief guide Safe use of ladders and stepladders – an employers guide HSE website: