HSE chief inspector of construction Kevin Myers commented: “Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of death, disability, and injury in construction, accounting for almost half of all deaths and nearly a third of major injuries in 2001/2. I want to see dramatic improvements in the control and management of work at height. Not least because most of the incidents are easily avoidable and each represents suffering and misery for the individual concerned and their family.”
During 2003/04 HSE will be promoting improved ladder and step-ladder safety, and aiming to eliminate the use of ladders wherever possible as a means of access or place of work, in favor of safer methods. There will remain many places where the use of ladders is necessary and here HSE advises that suitable precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of the user. This can include measures to prevent the ladder from slipping, a rigorous system for maintenance, and checking ladders for damage before use.
HSE will also use the visits in London to remind contractors about the correct use of safety harnesses, including: advice on safer alternatives, training, maintenance systems, an inspection regime, and a method for swift rescue.
Sites in London have been selected because they employ a large number of subcontractors who often use ladders and harnesses. It is hoped this will spread the message as widely as possible.
Inspectors will be reminding contractors of the HSE leaflet “Inspecting fall arrest equipment made from webbing or rope” (.pdf file, 449kb), which contains practical advice, and can be obtained free of charge from HSE Books or downloaded free from the HSE Web site. For more information about the Revitalising Health and Safety Campaign, visit the HSE Web site.
