HSE and unions unite to try and cut falls from heights

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has joined forces with trade unions UCATT and Amicus-AEEU and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) in a pilot project aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries due to falls from height.

Accident figures collected by HSE since 1996 identify electrical and maintenance fitters as two groups at significant risk of death or injury due to falls from height.

Some 40% of fatal and major injury accidents experienced by electrical fitters are falls and this is echoed by the ECA's Joint Industry Board (JIB) figures. The same statistics show a rate of 24% for maintenance fitters.

The most common agent involved in falls accidents to both groups is ladders.

The joint initiative involves toolbox talks providing information about ladder safety, and the distribution of an 'angle-aid' card to remind ladder users about general ladder safety and how to position their ladders properly.

George Brumwell, general secretary of UCATT, said: "As a representative of workers in the construction industry I am only too aware of the appalling injuries and needless loss caused through falls at work. The problem is so big that it is essential for all stakeholders to do whatever is necessary to improve the situation."