Safety rep steps in to prop up scaffolding safety

Prompt action by a safety rep at a major professional and publishing organisation has ensured that hazards from scaffolding were properly managed and injuries avoided.

Matt Saywell of the GMB general union saw scaffolding poles being moved across a thoroughfare with no safe traffic routes, no warning signs and no action from a safety marshal to protect workers.

He reminded managers of their responsibilities, quoting from health and safety law, and dug out past cases of the firm’s safety record from the Health and Safety Executive database. The employer then agreed to review the procedure, communicated the hazard to all staff and put up posters warning workers and contactors about safety.