30.05.2003

HSE blitz to reduce falls from height in UK construction

The HSE will blitz UK Construction sites in June with aim of reducing falls from height related fatalaties and accidents.

For the first time, this ‘blitz’ will involve the co-ordinated action of all frontline construction inspectors during the two week period.

The HSE said that falls from height remain the single biggest cause of death, disability and injury in construction in Great Britain, accounting for more than half of all deaths and nearly a third of major injuries in 2001/2.

“Each year far too many construction site workers die or suffer a major injury following a fall from height,” said Kevin Meyers, HSE Chief Inspector of Construction. “Most of these incidents, and the personal loss and suffering they cause, could have been avoided.

“Where we identify poor standards and risks to persons at height [during the blitzes] appropriate enforcement action will be taken, including serving improvement or prohibition notices, or prosecution.”

One of the main focuses of the blitz will be to make sure that, where work at height is taking place or planned, a proper assessment of the risks has been carried and the hierarchy of controls have been considered.

Points on the inspectors check lists will include; work at height has been eliminated where possible; where elimination is not possible, the correct equipment has been selected; work platforms have been installed with adequate access; if using mobile elevated work platforms, they are used correctly; if using tower scaffolds, they are correctly erected with edge protection and toeboards as necessary; if using safety harnesses, they have suitable anchorages and adequate fall distances and are inspected; and all work at height equipment has been inspected, examined and maintained as necessary.

Inspectors will also be looking to ensure that only competent contractors are used for work at height and that all jobs have been properly planned and thought through.

The HSE national inspection blitz is part of ‘Don’t Fall For It’, a European Union campaign on falls from height in construction. The campaign features two inspection initiatives, the first in June and the second in September 2003. All member states will be participating in the campaign.