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News Release from: NHBC | Subject: Simple steps to help avoid accidents
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 October 2005
Steps to avoid falls from height
consequences
Government's focus on cutting fatalities and injuries caused from falls at height has prompted NHBC to offer simple advice to prevent tragic accidents on site.
The government's focus on cutting fatalities and injuries caused from falls at height has prompted NHBC to offer simple advice to prevent tragic accidents on site Falls at height remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the biggest causes of major injury in the UK
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 8 Jun 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Following recent accidents involving vehicles on the worksite, NHBC has drawn up a list of tips which should be followed to ensure health and safety.
The government's Health and Safety Commission has also promised to focus on falls from height, in line with the Work at Height Regulations that were introduced in April.
The regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall, which is liable to cause personal injury.
Simon Mantle, NHBC's Health and Safety Manager, agreed the falls from height issue was brought to the forefront of those working on the construction site with the introduction of the government's regulations.
Mr Mantle suggests simple steps to help avoid accidents:.
* Do avoid Work at Height wherever you can - as much work as possible should be carried out from ground level.
* Do make sure all Work at Height is planned and organised, ensuring there are procedures and safe systems in place and are being followed.
* Do ensure risks from Work at Height are assessed and appropriate equipment is used.
* Do use guard-rails and working platforms to prevent falls.
* Do make use of systems such as safety decking, safety nets, air bags or bean bags where guard-rails are not practical.
* Do ensure scaffolders use fall arrest lanyards and harnesses when erecting and dismantling scaffolds and falsework.
* Do not allow Work at Height to be undertaken when the prevailing weather conditions increase the risk of injury.
* Do not allow anyone to carry out Work at Height when they are not competent to do so.
* Do not allow Work at Height to be undertaken without proper supervision.
* Do not disregard instructions or equipment given to you regarding Work at Height.
For more information on NHBC's health and safety services, please contact them on 0870 241 4319.
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