HSE Press Release E228:02 - 6 December 2002
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has joined forces with trade unions UCATT (Union of Construction Allied Trades and Technicians) and Amicus-AEEU and industry body the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) in a pilot project aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries due to falls from height.
Accident figures collected by HSE since 1996 identify electrical and maintenance fitters as two groups at significant risk of death or injury due to falls from height.
Some 40% of fatal and major injury accidents experienced by electrical fitters are falls and this is echoed by the ECA's Joint Industry Board (JIB) figures. The same statistics show a rate of 24% for maintenance fitters.
The most common agent involved in falls accidents to both groups is ladders.
The joint initiative involves toolbox talks providing information about ladder safety, and the distribution of an 'angle-aid' card to remind ladder users about general ladder safety and how to position their ladders properly.
Key safety questions that fitters should consider before using a ladder are:
The notes accompanying the toolbox talk include details of real life accidents that could have been avoided, to help people relate the circumstances to their own work and take action to avoid the risks.
George Brumwell, General Secretary of UCATT and Health and Safety Commissioner responsible for the HSC Falls from Height Priority Programme, said,
"As a representative of workers in the construction industry I am only too aware of the appalling injuries and needless loss caused through falls at work. The problem is so big that it is essential for all stakeholders to do whatever is necessary to improve the situation. UCATT is one such major stakeholder, and I am pleased in both my roles as General Secretary and also as Health and Safety Commissioner - that we have been able to work together, with others, to pilot this joint initiative.'
The initiative complements the ECA's 'ZAP' - Zero Accident Potential Initiative introduced by the ECA to help the electrical contracting sector contribute to improvement targets under the HSE's 'revitalising health and safety' initiative, and it identifies working at height as a key safety issue.
According to Paul Reeve, ECA health and safety advisor,
"Contrary to popular belief, the biggest safety risk facing maintenance electricians is not working with electricity. This is because reputable electricians have high levels of electrical competence. The biggest risk, by a considerable margin, is falls from height. We are pleased to be working in partnership with others to provide good practice information on working at height to companies of all sizes".
Malcolm Bonnett - Health & Safety Officer for Amicus AEEU said,
"If these sensible control measures are implemented prior to starting a job, the result will be fewer injuries caused by falling from height. Ladder safety is essential and this HSE initiative should complement the proposed 'Working at Height Regulations'. Union safety reps can advise and monitor their work colleagues on this issue."
If the pilot is successful then HSE plans to widen its application to include other unions and trade organisations early next year.
To find out more about HSE's Falls from Height Priority Programme, check the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk
All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office
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