The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) work at height campaign will take place during May and June 2006 and is entitled - Are you height aware? The aim of the free events are to help people identify when they are working at height, where they may be at risk of falling, and also has aims to reduce the number of work-related fatal and major injuries caused by falls from height by 2008.
Nearly 3,800 people suffered major injuries such as broken bones and fractured skulls due to falls from height, alongside this, falls are the biggest cause of deaths in Britain’s workplaces in which 53 people died in 2004/5. Whilst 60% of those injuries were caused by comparatively low falls. The HSE has stated that ladder accidents alone cost the UK economy £60 million every year.
Lord Hunt, Minister of health and safety, thanked the member's of the Access Industry Forum (AIF) for their efforts to improve the safety of people working at height, and he commented:
"Reducing the number of falls from height remains a priority for HSE, 53 workers died during 2004/5 when they fell from a height. Last year, over 2000 workers suffered a major injury as a result of a fall form a 'low height', those below head level.
"The Work at Height Regulations are now a year old. The number of podium steps hired across the country has increased significantly, demonstrating that many people are using safer equipment. A great deal of effort has gone into educating employers and employees about the Regulations and much of this work has involved AIF members, you have risen to the health and safety challenge by producing safer access equipment and making better training available. I thank you for your contribution.
"As part of HSE's commitment to reduce the number of fall incidents, 'Height Aware', a campaign to raise awareness of the risks maintenance workers face when working at height, will be launched later this month.
"Most falls are preventable and when workers fall so can profits. Employers of, and those working, as maintenance workers, electricians, painters and decorators, plumbers and carpenters should plan work properly. Always assess the risks, choose the right equipment and ensure all work at height is carried out by those competent to do so."
The HSE's campaign website has further details and can be found here: HSE - Work at height: Campaign
All events are free and the HSE has published a list of venues for the events which you can view here: HSE - Work at height: Campaign - Height aware events
