| By :
Jackie De Burca
Any work from a height means safety issues which need to be addressed. Whether the workers are using simple step ladders, extension ladders, scaffold towers or any type of access equipment there are safety rules which need to be observed. Even with significant improvements over recent years falls from height still remain the biggest cause for fatal and serious injuries in the construction industry. The HSE made an example on 10th March 2010 of a small builder regarding a lack of scaffolding safety. The builder was fined after workers on a house extension were put at risk. Shane Homes Limited, of Hull was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £799 costs at Beverley Magistrates' Court after using unsafe scaffolding. The court heard that during a routine inspection on a house extension HSE observed working on scaffolding that was unsafe and posed a risk of serious injury. The findings of the court were that there was no edge protection provided and the access ladder was too short. An investigation showed that there was a risk of a fall of up to four metres for the employees who were working at a first floor extension. The scaffolding had no edge protection in place, and an access ladder was too short and not secured. The HSE Inspector, Geoff Clark said: "The scaffolding at the Shane Homes construction site was dangerous and people should not have been expected to use it. "The law is quite clear and there is much guidance provided by the HSE and industry bodies on the required standards for working at height. We hope today's prosecution serves as a reminder to companies using scaffolding that they need to ensure it is erected by trained and competent people, and that it is safe to use." Working at height requires a tight yet not difficult to perform safety plan. The first step is the pre-work assessment which should be carried out to evaluate which type of access equipment needs to be used, if of course any at all. The scaffold towers, extension ladders, roof ladders, step ladders, scaffolding or whichever equipment has been elected for the job then needs to be inspected by a properly qualified person to ensure it is the correct condition to carry out the work. The employees must be fit and trained properly for the work, and suitable attired with the right work wear and footwear. Employees who are taking certain medication may not be fit for the job so this must also be taken into account. A risk assessment should also be carried out and the work area must be protected both for the workers and the public who may enter the area. The ground conditions must also be checked to make sure they are safe and suitable. The HSE as mentioned have detailed safety documents which can be accessed on their website. Do not cut corners when using scaffold towers, roof ladders, extension ladders or even step ladders, it is not just a potential fine but also the potential damage to worker's life you need to think about.
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