Demonstrating safer ways of working at heights

HSE and key construction industry players brought the latest mechanical equipment to Sheffield, demonstrating to contractors in South Yorkshire and Humberside new and safer ways of working at heights.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and key construction industry players brought the latest mechanical equipment to Sheffield, demonstrating to contractors in South Yorkshire and Humberside new and safer ways of working at heights.

Falls from heights are a major health and safety problem in the construction industry, with a national total of 38 people killed in 2003-04.

Over the same period nine people were killed in Yorkshire and the Humber.

During the event podium steps and micro-mobile work platforms were shown as safer alternatives to stepladders, a major cause of falls from heights in the industry.

Speaking at the event, HSE Principal Inspector Dave Redman said, "Falls from heights are a major safety concern in the construction industry, with nine people dying in Yorkshire and Humber last year.

One of the main causes of falls from heights is the use of stepladders, which are often unstable and not suitable for use when carrying major weights.

" The safety day, which took place at Sheffield United Football Club, targeted mechanical and electrical contractors across South Yorkshire and Humberside and was sponsored by key industry players, MJ Gleesons, Powerminster, Birse, Clugston and Henry Boot, Dave Redman continued: "We are working closely with the industry, as we have a shared interest in reducing the number of injuries and fatalities caused from working at heights.

The sponsors of today's event design and operate the machinery being demonstrated, so between us we have a great deal of expertise on safe working practices.

The current accident rate is far too high but as the event has shown, there is equipment available that can make working at heights much safer." Charles Arrowsmith of MJ Gleeson, added: "It is important that as an industry we share the same message and work together to improve safety, particularly in relation to working at heights.

"This event has been well-sponsored and well-attended and should encourage safer working all round." Construction has a higher rate of fatal injuries than any other sector.

The event in Sheffield is part of a national HSE campaign to reduce falls from heights in the industry.

In addition, the HSE has recently started 'Healthy Handling 2005', a blitz of construction sites nationwide to target work-related ill-health.

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