Do you comply with the New Working at Heights Regulations? (11/10/2005)
‘In 2003/04 falls from height accounted for 67 fatal accidents at work and nearly 400 major injuries. They remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury’
The Health and Safety Executive have introduced the Work at Heights Regulations on 6th April 2005, in order to satisfy the requirements of the European Directive on Temporary Work at Height. The directive aims to reduce the number of falls from height occurring during work activities across EU member states. It sets out minimum requirements for the selection and use of all work equipment used at height and specifically lays down requirements for scaffolding, ladders and rope access.
What is ‘work at height’?
The Work at Height Regulations has no minimum height requirements. A place at height is anywhere a person could be injured from falling, even if it is underground. Other places of work that the regulation now covers include:
- Using ladders, steps or kick stools
- Using cradles or ropes for access
- Climbing permanent structures such as telephone poles
- Working on staging
- Working on a scaffolding or from a mobile platform
- Working on the back of a lorry
- Employers Duties
The Working at Height Regulations places duties on the employers, self employed and anyone in charge of others working at heights, these include:
- All work at height is properly planned and organised;
- All work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety;
- Those involved in work at height are trained and competent;
- The place where work at height is done is safe;
- The risks from work at height are assessed and appropriate work equipment is selected and used;
- The risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled; and
- Equipment for work at height is properly inspected and maintained.
This regulation does not apply to anyone who is a paid instructor, leadership in caving or climbing activities.
Employees Duties
The employees have a responsibility to:
- To co-operate with the employer
- To comply with safety rules
- To use equipment provided and follow training/instructions
- To report safety hazards to the employer and not act carelessly
For further information on Work at Height Regulations go to www.hse.gov.uk.
The PTC offers various courses to ensure competence in working at heights including: Working at Heights Training, Ladders and Stepladders Training and Mobile Access Tower Training, for further information call (01206) 712727.
