Height Aware Campaign
Height Aware Campaign
• Background
• Work at height
• Who the campaign is for
• What will happen
• Work at Height Regulations 2005
Background: Statistics
• Biggest Killer 53 Fatal Accidents 2004/05
• 3783 Major Accidents 2004/05
• Falls are one of the main causes of major accidents
• 2/3 of all major injuries caused by ‘low falls’ (below head height)
Height Aware - audience
• Aimed at people in the building and plant maintenance sectors in widest sense
• Building and maintenance sector account for approximately 50% of all falls from height injuries each year
Height Aware – objectives
• ‘Procurers’:– Ensure you select competent contractors to
work at height
• ‘Doers’:– Identify suitable activities and precautions
– Select the most appropriate equipment for the job
Height Aware – is it you?• Do you carry out maintenance work or other related
tasks?• Are you an electrician or a mechanical/ electrical
fitter?• Do you clean windows are part of your job?• Do you paint and decorate whilst at work?
• If so, then are you Height Aware?
Height Aware – is it you?• Do you use a ladder as part of your work?• Do you work from low level platforms, such as
podium steps, hop ups or trestles?• Do you use scaffolding or specialist equipment such
as cherry pickers or scissor lifts?• Do you stand on chairs or desks to carry out tasks?
• If so, then are you Height Aware?
Height Aware – is it you?• Do you plan the work at height you do?• Do you see work at height as part of your job, or as
something that someone else should worry about?• Do you realise the dangers (both physical and
financial) of falling from height at work?
• If not, then you need to be Height Aware!
Height Aware - activities• Media – radio and newspaper adverts
• Events – Safety and Health Awareness Days, breakfast meetings, point of sale initiatives
• Inspector visits – HSE and Local Authority
Media activities – what you might see
Work at Height Regulations 2005
• Came into force on 6 April 2005
• Regulations consolidate good practice
• Height Aware will help consolidate the requirements of the WAHR
Organisation, Planning, CompetenceWork at height should be
• Properly planned• Appropriately supervised• Not carried out if weather conditions
jeopardise health and safety
Those working at height should be• competent or if being trained supervised by a
competent person
Risk Assessment• Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and
Safety at work Regulations
• Do a risk assessment
WAHR - Hierarchy
Avoid work at height • if you don’t have to go up there DON’T!
Prevent falls • use an existing place or means of access• Use the most suitable way of working
Mitigate distance and consequences
Hierarchy - Avoid
Hierarchy – PreventEdge Protection – good and bad
Hierarchy – PreventScaffolding – good and bad
Hierarchy – PreventMEWPs – good and bad
Hierarchy – MitigateAir Bags – good and bad
Hierarchy – MitigateNets – good and bad
Personal fall arrestWork restraint Fall arrest
Select the right work equipment• Working conditions• Access and Egress• Distance and consequences of a fall• Duration and frequency of use/task• Collective measures before personal• Ease of rescue/evacuation• Risk of use, installation and removal of
equipment
Other requirements• Avoid risks from Fragile Surfaces• Prevent Falling Objects• Warn about Danger Areas• Inspect work equipment• Persons at work should:
• Follow instructions and training• Advise employer of hazards/risks to health and
safety
Ladder Use• Risk assessment must justify use;
Low risk, Short duration, Or Site conditions dictate
• Follow good practice
If it’s right to use a ladder, use the right ladder, use it safely.
Key Messages• Take a moment, not a fall• Protect your business from falls• Do a risk assessment, plan and organise
your work properly• Follow the hierarchy: avoid – prevent –
minimise• Use the right equipment – use it safely
Further Information
• Email: [email protected]
• Height Aware - Campaign pack
• The Work at Height Regulations – a brief guide
• Safe use of ladders and stepladders – an employers guide
• HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk/falls