Falls and trips in construction – real examples of good and bad practice

Poor practice

Found on a small domestic refurbishment site involving an extension to the rear of a terraced house. These workers were laying bricks while standing on unprotected edges and open joists, with no means to prevent a fall. A prohibition notice was served to stop work at height immediately.

Access equipment such as scaffolding, a mobile tower or podium steps should have been considered and chosen to suit the job before the work started so that the workers could work at height safely.

• Real examples of good and bad practice index