|
4 April 2005 - HSE Reminder on Dangers when
Working at Height
Navigation
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a reminder to
anyone working at height, following the tragic death of a 44 year old window
cleaner during the Easter holiday.
The tragedy struck when the man was cleaning a window on the
fifth floor whilst leaning out from a balcony. The railing he was
leaning over gave way and the man fell 50 feet to his death.
This avoidable tragic accident has prompted the HSE to remind
people working at height, that falls from height are the most common cause of
fatalities and the second most common cause of major injuries, accounting for
15% of such injuries.
Principal Inspector with the HSE, Mr. David Powell has offered
some general advice when working at height as follows:
-
Work should not be started until there has been proper planning
of how it is going to be done.
-
It is important to fully consider, assess and control the risks
involved.
-
These aspects should not be underestimated and simply "taking
care" is not enough - proper precautions must be in place.
-
Making do without the right equipment to minimise expense can
lead to injury or death, as well as prosecution if the law is broken.
The HSE website has specific information on working at height
safely and information sheets for window cleaners, which can be accessed by
clicking the following:
Health and Safety Executive website
Article by Alexandra Johnston
|
