Working at height remains one of the highest risk activities at work in the UK. HSE statistics show that in 2022/23 135 people were killed in work-related accidents in the UK, of these the highest proportion came from a falls from height, in which 40 people were killed. Work at height means work in any […]
‘80% of telescopic ladders sold online fail safety regulations’ New research by the Ladder Association has found that a staggering amount of unsafe and potentially dangerous ladders are being sold to unsuspecting consumers in the UK. While there are manufacturers producing ladders that meet the safety standards, the study showed that a significant number of […]
As part of July’s Hazard of the Month, Working at Height, we’re highlighting two key areas: Working at Height and Ladder Safety. Working at Height Working at height is one of the biggest causes of fatalities and major injuries in the workplace, with 25% of all worker deaths in 2020/21 being caused by falls from […]
Toxic yellow chlorine explosion at Jordan port kills at least 13 and injures 250 A poisonous chlorine gas explosion at the port of Aqaba in Jordan is said to have killed at least 13 people and injured 250. It happened after a tank filled with 25 tonnes of chlorine being exported to Djibouti fell while being […]
Everyone knows that working at height is a hazard. Common knowledge, however, often breeds complacency. This blog post is intended as a reminder of the basics of working at height safely, including regulations, HSE advice and an unmissable training offer! What is ‘Working at Height’? “Work at height means work in any place where, if […]
Unsuitable PPE/Equipment As you may have already seen on our social media, WA Management’s hazard of the month for February is ‘Unsuitable PPE/Equipment.’ We have chosen this hazard after noticing instances on sites visits where PPE such as respiratory masks were being used despite not being face-fitted or incorrect working at height equipment being employed that was unsuitable for the task at […]
Company Fined After Worker Impaled Whilst Using Rip Saw A worker suffered a severe injury when using a rip saw to cut a length of hardwood. As he was feeding it through, an offcut was ejected backwards and embedded itself in his upper leg and groin. The HSE found that no risk assessment for the machine had […]
Ladders When working at height, ladders can be a sensible and practical method option for low risk, short-duration tasks that take less than 30 minutes. However, ladders can only be used for work at height when a risk assessment has shown that using equipment offering a higher level of fall protection is not justified […]
Dealing with the “hidden” issue of fatigue in the workplace This week, Occupational Health research company Third Pillar of Health looked at the consequences of fatigue in the workplace. The report elucidated how not only how the vast majority of professionals in the UK are not getting the full amount of sleep they need, but […]