28 October 2004 - London HSE Inspection Blitz Focusing on Ladders and Stepladders
The inspectors also looked at the control of slips, trips and falls, falls from height, workplace transport, musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive movement within manual handling areas.
There were 3 prohibition notices issued and 11 improvement notices in areas such as fall hazards from unguarded edges, slip and trip hazards, work at height, use of ladders and provision of risk assessments.
Mr. Mike Gibb, Principal Inspector with Field Operations Directorate commented:
"In general, we found good standards. However, there were some significant deficiencies that required action, particularly equipment for work at height. Overall, HSE Inspectors issued one Prohibition Notice and seven Improvement Notices.
During the inspection week, each business received a new self-audit leaflet produced jointly by HSE and Islington Council. This leaflet outlined some simple steps that businesses can take to improve their management of workplace risks. The leaflet also provides advice on local sources of information on health and safety issues and were well received."
Mr. Ron Wright, Acting Head of Operations in the Health and Safety Executive's London Division also said:
"This is one of many initiatives HSE is taking to improve working standards in London. Increasingly we are taking a strategic approach by working in partnership with local authorities and business organisations to improve health and safety standards. This joint working provides a co-ordinated and streamlined approach to inspections, by sharing intelligence between the two organisations.
This approach allows for inspection visits to be better targeted and more focussed on the need of the business in question. Poor standards of health and safety cost firms a lot of money. Initiatives such as this are designed to assist small firms in understanding and complying with legal requirements, and helping them avoid accidents and ill health."
Article by Alexandra Johnston
