Successful blitz on killer falls

Killer Falls in the workplace are down in Rochdale

Safety inspectors from Rochdale Council have been out in force visiting businesses across the borough as part of a national campaign to reduce the alarming number of falls from height which occur in workplaces.

The findings of the blitz have highlighted that the message of how to reduce falls from heights is far from understood by many employers. This is clearly unacceptable given the number of deaths and major injuries that continue to occur each year.

Over 100 businesses, where work at height was thought to be undertaken were selected for inspection.  These consisted of many large organisations and also small businesses and in total represented over 4500 employees.

Though Inspectors saw many examples of good practice, they still had to take enforcement action in a quarter of those premises visited.

A significant number of enforcement notices had to be served for defective ladders, unmarked fragile surfaces and lacking safety procedures. Many ladders had to be disposed of whilst inspectors were on site because of their unsafe condition. It is recognised that the three quarters where action was not necessary had effective measures in place to prevent falls from heights amongst employees and contractors.

Many local and national businesses participated in the initiative and helped to disseminate information packs to contractors. Builders' merchants and DIY outlets distributed packs to contractors and helped to make the campaign a success.

Gary Parkinson, Senior Environmental Health Officer said, Inspectors will continue looking at working at height over coming months as part of inspections routinely carried out. This is necessary if we are to continue to reduce the number of preventable fatal and major injuries. Inspectors are confident that the actions taken as part of the campaign will prevent many falls from height and for this reason the work will continue.

A number of 'height aware' packs are still available for local businesses. Please contact Gary Parkinson on 01706 924225.  Also if you have any concerns about work at height in your place of work, please contact us.