Avoid accidents
Click on a hazard and discover our simple tips for keeping safe in your workplace
Prevent falls from scaffolding
Ensure that scaffold platforms have suitable edge protection in the form of double guard rails and toe boards at every edge to prevent people and materials falling. Where loading bays are erected ensure they’re fitted with gates, which should be kept closed when loading is not taking place to prevent falls.
Click here for guidance on preventing falls from scaffolding
Gaps or damage to scaffolding
Working platforms should be fully boarded, with no gaps through which a person could fall and the scaffold should be
regularly inspected by a competent person . Lapping of scaffold boards should be avoided to prevent people tripping and falling over the uneven surface. Effective barriers or warning notices should be in place to stop people using incomplete scaffolding, and remember if you notice something out of place or damaged report it immediately.
Keeping your site in good order
Keep work areas as tidy as possible whilst work is going on. Ensure there are separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes on site and that these are level, stoned up if muddy, and gritted when icy. Plan deliveries to minimise the amount of materials on site and ensure there are designated storage areas which are kept tidy. Have site arrangements in place for the removal of waste. Report good order problems to site management.
Poor weather conditions
In icy, windy or wet conditions ensure work at height is not carried out if it will jeopardize the health and safety of workers. Access equipment should only be used when the weather permits. Check the manufacturers instructions for specific advice. Saturated or uneven surfaces can compromise stability of access equipment. Check that the surface can bear the load placed on it.
Falling from roofs
Make sure there is always a safe route onto the roof using: e.g. a general access scaffold with secured ladder or stair tower.
Ensure there is edge protection to all elevations to prevent people or materials falling.
Avoid tiling work in wet or icy weather.
Falling from a MEWP
Properly plan the work before you start, ensure you have the correct MEWP (mobile elevating work platform) for the job and the operator is fully trained.
The MEWP should have an emergency stop at ground level and the work platform should have suitable barriers e.g. guard rails and toe boards.
Wearing personal fall protection e.g. harnesses and short work-restraint lanyards should be considered when using a boom-type MEWP.
Print a poster
If you’ve seen our new adverts you’ll know they’re great for highlighting what can happen if someone slips, trips or falls where you work. So why not download a poster for free now and put it up in your workplace?
