FALL PROTECTION
COST -CUTTING:
A STEP TOO FAR?
Any work at height carries risk. Preventing accidents from falls relies
on all stakeholders using an informed, joined-up approach to practices
and systems. Specifiers, contractors, system installers and end-users
all play a part in risk mitigation. James Sainsbury, Fall Protection Sales
leader for MSA Safety, explains why a holistic approach to safety is
needed, and highlights the potential risks of making ill-informed
changes to a defined safety system specification.
Gravity is a an ever-present force. It doesn’t offer second chances.
And however diligent safety planning and preparations may be, a fall
is always a possibility. With workers’ lives at stake, there’s simply no
excuse for inadequate fall protection systems and personal safety
equipment.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION: THE UK PICTURE
Despite the fact that almost all falls from height can be prevented, it’s a
sobering reminder that they still remain the leading cause of workplace
fatalities. The most recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics
show that in 2017 alone, falls accounted for 28% of all UK fatalities in
the workplace. Digging deeper, between 2013/14 and 2017/18, falls
from a height accounted for more than a quarter of all fatal injuries to
workers. That’s an average of 37 deaths a year. In addition, a staggering
43,000 non-fatal accidents involved falls from height too.
Over 60% of deaths when working at height involve falls from ladders,
scaffolds, working platforms and roof edges and through fragile roofs.
It’s no wonder that HSE research has also revealed 19% of people think
their health and safety is at risk at work (2010).
Whilst the UK, like much of Europe, is a mature market, with
comprehensive regulatory standards for safety systems and practices,
there is still much room for improvement. Setting realistic safety system
budgets, honouring specifications, understanding the suitability and
quality of different equipment, accurately assessing risk and training
users to be competent are all on the agenda.
CREATING THE PLAN: SPECIFIERS
As the first link in the chain of creating safer working at height, the
value of consulting specifier professionals cannot be overstated. The
decisions, assessments and recommendations they provide result
in the most appropriate fall protection system specification for the
building at the outset: one that will maximise protection for users and
allow work at height to be carried out more safely and efficiently.
A system specification can be defined by architects, consultants
or engineers, or by safety system industry professionals, such as
professional installers. A thorough specification takes account of
both the unique risks posed by the structure and the practical access
requirements needed for safe works. It will also mean full compliance
with all local and national health and safety and regulatory conditions.
Manufacturers, too, can provide consultation and system design,
helping to make sure that the very best equipment and system is
installed.