Legislation latest
August 1st 2004

Safesites Graham Willmott discusses the forthcoming Work at Height Regulations and how they will effect the industrial sector Over recent years the HSE and companies such as Safesite have worked extensively to try and reduce the number of falls from height. However, this problem is still the single biggest cause of death in the British workplace, accounting for around 68 deaths per year; and the second most common cause of injury to employees, with 3996 cases reported during the 2001/2002 period. It is hoped that the new Work at Height Regulations (WAHR) will finally help to address the issue by covering the selection, use of and training in the use of equipment. Working at height is not just limited to roofwork or construction work. There are instances when plant and machinery or structures such as gantries and even vehicles need to be accessed. In order to tackle the variety of hazards, the new Regulations will apply to all industries where work at height is involved and will be relevant to anyone who is involved in that work. This includes individual employers, partnerships and companies as well as the self-employed, architects and property managers. In other words, anyone who is responsible for the maintenance of plant and works must ensure compliance with WAHR. Risk assessment Before carrying out work at height, it is essential that an assessment be carried out on the proposed task. This would look at the hierarchy of control measures such as, can risks be eliminated, if not how can the distance and consequences of a fall be minimised? This should then be followed by a risk assessment and evaluation of the equipment that is going to be used throughout the duration of the task, how often the task will need to be carried out, as well as the competence of workers and the level of supervision required. For example, when regular access to a roof is required such as for maintenance of plant and equipment, then measures must be put in place to prevent a person from falling from the roof. In these cases, as the nature of the work involves regular access, a permanent form of protection such as guardrails should be installed. Under the Work at Height Regulations, guardrails should have a minimum height of at least 950mm, 40mm higher than the current requirement under the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations. The new regulations are also expected to include significant changes in relation to fragile material and ladders. Fragile material is likely to be redefined as fragile surface in order to overcome the problem of potential hazards such as rooflights. In future, where work is to be carried out, the surface must be strong and stable enough to be able to withstand any loads placed on it, including the weight of a person plus any loads they may be carrying. If regular access to an area that is considered fragile is required then protection such as guardrails should be considered and if the risk of a fall still remains, then fall arrest equipment should be provided as far as is reasonably practicable. Ladders As far as ladders are concerned, their suitability for tasks will need to be looked at. Around 20 people are killed each year and over 1500 seriously injured as a result of using ladders. Under WAHR, ladders should only be used in situations where it is either impossible or not justified to use other forms of safety equipment. For example, if the work is seen as low risk, of short duration or where the nature of the work cannot be altered. Work at height will always carry an element of risk, however if those responsible for the work ensure compliance with legislation such as the forthcoming Work at Height Regulations, then these risks can be significantly reduced and so hopefully can future statistics relating to falls from height. By making safety a priority and improving peoples awareness of the risks involved and ensuring a safe working environment is provided, companies can limit the dangers associated with working at height and help to tackle this major problem.

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