Event raises awareness about working at height

Emley Moor transmission station — the UK’s tallest free standing structure — was last month used by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to raise awareness about accidents at height.

The event demonstrated climbing and rescue techniques as well as the safe use of ladders and other practical systems.

It was held to remind employers of the importance of training staff and using the correct procedures when working at height.

Last month, a prosecution by the HSE of two construction companies — Tego Roofing and Wates Construction — resulted in pitiful fines of £10,000 and £18,000 respectively for safety failings.

Giovanni Mastrodomenico was left paralysed from the waist down after he plunged four metres through a hole in a roof at a Swindon building site.

Speaking after the hearing, Health and Safety Executive inspector Keiron Jones, pointed out that falls from height “are the biggest killer in the construction industry” and that last year alone more than 6,300 employees suffered major injuries following a fall.

“Working at height must always be properly planned,” he said.

www.iosh.co.uk/news/latest_news_releases/36_top_of_the_ladder_safety.aspx

www.hse.gov.uk/press/2013/rnn-sw-tego-wates.htm?eban=rss-falls-from-height

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg33.htm