02.11.2006

Access group calls Harness meeting

The Powered Access Interests Group (PAIG) within the UK’s Construction Plant hire Association (CPA) is to call an extraordinary Meeting to discuss ways in which the industry can get the message over regarding the importance of wearing harnesses within boom lifts.

The call comes after another accident yesterday in which a man was thrown out of a platform.

While it is not yet known if the lack of a harness was involved in yesterday’s fatality, the past 12 months have been unfortunate.

Since January Vertikal.Net has reported on 12 incidents where the operator(s) was catapulted out of the platform to his death, while platform remained perfectly upright or came to a rest before hitting the ground.

In February there was one, March one, May one, June one, August two, September two, October three and already it looks as though we have one in November.

Make no mistake about it, Powered access is an incredibly safe way to reach work at heights. Far safer than crossing the road or driving your car. However few things are more tragic that seeing dead or injured operators at the foot of a perfectly stable platform. All for the sake of wearing a harness and short lanyard.

The PAIG meeing will be held in early December and all interested parties are invited to attend. The group would also welcome any comments or input. They can be emailed to [email protected]