An unfortunate fact is that the most severe work related injury’s and deaths are from falls.

Most of these accidents are entirely preventable. It is now required that both employer and

employee implement best safety practice in planning to prevent falls from height while at

work.

Anybody more than 2 meters (6 feet) from the ground is at risk of injury if they fall.

The human and economic cost of a serious fall is catastrophic to the individual and to his

family and at the same time also to the employer, since most falls are serious and the

consequences can be death or serious injury. An HSE investigation will immediately follow

a fall and the result of that investigation will determine liability, if the business and it’s

owners are determined as liable negligent it can invalidate their insurance and can also lead

to criminal prosecution, fines, litigation, bankruptcy and also family breakdown and lasting

damage to their reputation.

For the poor individual who has fallen, a fall can result in death or a life changing injury

with the loss of future income and the ability to provide. In many cases the individual is left

without the proper recourse to any or adequate financial compensation leading to family

devastation and life time impoverishment.

The above sounds like scare mongering and it is because it happens often enough to be

sadly true, as such incidences occur every year. The unfortunate thing is these accidents and

serious outcomes from potential falls are mostly avoidable.

So why take the risk of leaving yourself and workers poorly equipped and trained.

Assuming responsibility and understanding the various and changing working risks to yourself and

your employees they are engaged in on the companies behalf, is the first step you can take.

Correctly assessing in consultation with trained safety consultants what the potential risks are and

coming up with the correct fall protection plan and making sure it is implemented by procuring the

correct height safety equipment and the training that is needed to prevent falls and increase safety.

The aim should be to go far beyond minimal compliance and by doing so you are encouraging and

fostering a culture of safety at the same time growing a reputation that says you value best and safe

working practice in your organization.

Planning can be quite complex with much variation to consider when putting together a fall

protection height safety strategy. You will need to visit the site and decide how the work is to be

undertaken and then assess the risk and locate where the potential fall hazzards are, where the

leading edges are and then decide the most suitable safety harnesses, lanyards and type of

anchorages that are required. Another important aspect of planning your fall prevention strategy

stage is to produce a written height safety plan.

The plan must highlight dangers and the fall protection equipment that needs to be deployed to

reduce the risks. Also importantly a rescue plan must be in place in the case that the worker has

fallen and is suspended at height. The plan must be communicated and known by all those on site

and written instructions and the correct rescue equipment located in a known place. Those

employed on site should be familiar and trained in case of rescue in accordance with procedures

outlined in the plan.

Although not all circumstances require a safety plan, having one providing instruction and properly

and repeatedly communicating it to your workers will ensure that they are familiar with safety.

This is best practice and will act as a good record for HSE executives in case an accident occurs.

Workers who are 2 meters or more above lower levels are required to use fall protection

equipment, such as personal fall arrest systems, guardrails, or safety nets and it is your

responsibility to select the right job-specific fall protection equipment and ensure your workers use

it therefore it is critical to supply them with the most suitable fall protection product that is

comfortable and reliable. It is best practice to choose quality over cost and ease of use is very

important. If the person is uncomfortable in a certain a certain type of safety harness during his

workday he may be tempted to take it off or more likely to fit it too loosely, which can very easily

render it ineffective. Therefore the most suitable and comfortable safety harnesses with the correct

training is essential.

The right safety equipment is only beneficial when it’s accompanied by adequate training. You can

help prevent falls by ensuring workers learn the proper setup and safe use of fall protection

equipment. They are adequately trained in how to rescue those that are suspended after a fall.

Improve workers’ understanding by providing hands-on training that mimics actual work

conditions. Let workers strap in and experience what the equipment actually feels like. They

will also learn what components of the equipment need to be inspected before each use.

The right safety equipment is only beneficial when it’s accompanied by adequate training. You

can help prevent falls by ensuring workers learn the proper setup and safe use of fall protection

equipment.

Find a reliable supply partner who can advise and offer the best product and training and can make

life safer.

And that’s what “At Height” is to you!!

Our range of products is wide enough to meet the client requirements:

· Fall protection systems

· Nailing and stapling equipment

· Arm systems and components

· Safety footwear and workwear

· Other PPE

Note: Please refer www.at-height.co.uk for further details