Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Press releases
SCO/124/08 5 August 2008
The "North Berwick in Bloom" Committee has been busily putting the finishing touches to the East Lothian town ready for the "Britain in Bloom" competition. East Lothian 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 town’s beautiful flower arrangements from ground level with the aid of a specialist long reach extendable lance.
Cheryl Anthony, HSE Principal Inspector commented:
"I am delighted to see North Berwick and East Lothian Council setting such a good example by choosing 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."
Stuart Pryde, Principal Amenity Officer at East Lothian Council said:
"The residents on the "North Berwick in Bloom” Committee are tremendously dedicated and make an excellent job in keeping the town smart and colourful. We always try and help them to keep the town 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."
Call HSE's InfoLine, Tel: 08701 545500,
or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
To: Paul Burgess
Tel: 0131 244 9060 / 07974 668 267
paul.burgess@coi.gsi.gov.uk
HSE information and press releases can be accessed on the Internet: http://www.hse.gov.uk
Information on HSE in Scotland can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/scotland
Further information on North Berwick’s entry in Britain in Bloom, please contact: Jill Mackay Principal Communications Officer East Lothian Council: Tel: 01620 827743 email: jmackay@eastlothian.gov.uk
Photographs of North Berwick’s floral displays are available by contacting Paul Burgess or Jill Mackay.
Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and PR Scotland. tel: 0131 244 9060