27 January 2006 - HSE February Watch Your Step Campaign

27 January 2006 - HSE February Watch Your Step Campaign:
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspectors will commence their Nationwide 'Watch Your Step' campaign, similar to the campaign launched in October 2005, where once again they will be visiting construction sites in a bid to reduce slips and trips within the industry.

Reported slips and trips within the construction industry each year is in excess of 3,000 incidents. However, the HSE say this figure could be even higher.

The areas most likely to cause slips and trips are as follows:

*Corridors and stairways being obstructed with tools, materials and waste.
*Uneven footpaths which have not been levelled properly.
*Cables trailing across pedestrian routes.

During their visits, HSE Inspectors expect to find the following:

*Deliveries have been planned to minimise the amount of materials being stored on site.
*Contractors have a system in place for managing waste materials.
*Footpaths are safe to use.
*Walkways/stairways are kept clear of obstructions.

Organisations such as, UCATT, TGWU, NASC, NCF and CECA will support the initiative with the distribution of free good order 'Toolbox Talk' packs containing the following:

*A 5 minute DVD, “Watch your step, a toolbox talk for construction”.
*A supporting Good Order On Site booklet.
*A Good Order poster.

There are also a limited supply of packs available free from HSE Books, Tel. 01787 881165, or they can be downloaded from the HSE Webpage by clicking the following:

Construction - Good order initiative

Article by Alexandra Johnston