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13 April 2005 - HSE Question and Answer
Brief for New Work at Height Regulations in Construction
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Following the implementation of the new Work at Height
Regulations 2005 on 6 April 2005, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have
published a Questions and Answers Brief explaining the meaning of the new
regulations in practice and what standards the HSE expect, in order to assist
the construction industry.
Some of the key points within the new regulations, as pointed
out by Mr. Kevin Myers, HSE's Chief Inspector of Construction, are as follows:
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"Those following good practice for work at height will already
be doing enough to comply with the new regulations
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follow the risk assessments you have carried out for work at
height activities and make sure all work at height is planned, organised and
carried out by competent people
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follow the hierarchy for managing risks from work at height -
take steps to avoid, prevent or reduce risks
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choose the right work equipment and select collective measures
to prevent falls (such as guardrails) before other measures which may only
mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall (such as nets or airbags) or
which may only provide personal protection from a fall".
Mr. Myers also said of the new regulations:
''Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of
workplace deaths and major injuries in the construction industry, responsible
for some 40 per cent of fatalities in 2004/05. Preventing falls from height is a
key area where the construction industry can take steps to drive down the number
of accidents. The regulations give the industry an opportunity to refocus
efforts to improve standards for work at height and reduce deaths and injuries.
"A particular area of concern for HSE is the number of major injuries caused by
low falls - it's worth pointing out that there are more major injuries resulting
from low falls than from falls above two metres. The new regulations remove the
old divison between low and high falls; the 'two-metre rule' for high falls has
not been retained because dutyholders need to prevent falls from any height. HSE
inspectors will ensure that the existing standards are maintained but that
greater attention is also paid to the risk from low falls.''
The intention of the HSE, by publishing the questions and
answers brief, is to demonstrate their commitment to the working together
practice for improvements in health and safety.
The Questions and Answers Brief can be accessed by clicking the
following:
Questions and Answers Brief for new Work at Height Regulations in the
Construction Industry
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