Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Press releases
HSE/NE/274/08 17 July 2008
The “Warkworth in Bloom” Committee has been busily putting the finishing touches to the Northumberland village ready for the “Northumbria in Bloom” competition at the end of the week. Alnwick District Council’s horticultural workers have also been playing their part, and much to the delight of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) they have been keeping their feet firmly on the ground in the process.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is always keen to encourage safe ways of working – especially avoiding the use of ladders if a safer alternative can be found. This good practice has been adopted by the council’s horticultural workers who have been helping to feed and water some of the village’s beautiful flower arrangements from ground level with the aid of a specialist long reach extendable lance.
Billy Pringle, environmental services officer at Alnwick District Council said:
“The residents on the “Warkworth in Bloom” Committee are tremendously dedicated and make an excellent job in keeping the village smart and colourful. We always try and help them to keep the village looking at its best and we always want to do it as safely as possible.
“In our job, we work with some potentially dangerous equipment such as wood chipping machines, grass strimmers, and chainsaws, so health and safety is always at the forefront of our minds. Before each job, we take a few minutes to consider the risks, plan the safest way to carry out the work, and always ensure we are wearing the correct protective clothing and equipment. If you rush a job or cut corners, that is when an accident is more likely to happen.”
HSE North East Inspector Laura Catterall said:
“I am delighted to see Warkworth Village Bloom Committee and Alnwick District Council setting such a good example by adhering to safe working practices and encouraging the community to adopt them too. Falls from height are one of the biggest causes of work place accidents but can be prevented and avoided by planning ahead and selecting the right equipment for the job.”
A photograph of Warkworth in Bloom Committee Members and Alnwick DC and the HSE putting the finishing touches to displays in Warkworth for the Northumbria in Bloom competition is available from North News and Pictures Tel 0191 233 0223.
Call HSE's InfoLine, Tel: 08701 545500, or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
Jill Barber: Tel: 0191 202 3609.
Issued on behalf of HSE by COI NEWS & PR TEL: 0191 202 3604/3609