ECA joins with other industry bodies to promote a project aimed at reducing serious injury and death due to falls from heights and improper equipment use.
In a move that complements its own Zero Accident Potential (ZAP) initiative, the ECA has joined forces with the Health and Safety Executive and trade unions UCATT and Amicus-AEEU to promote a project aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries due to falls from height.

Accident figures collected by the HSE since 1996 identify electrical and maintenance fitters as two groups at significant risk of death or injury due to falls from height. Over 40% of fatal or major accidents that happen to electrical fitters are falls, while for maintenance fitters it is 24%.

The initiative will include toolbox talks, giving information on ladder safety, and the distribution of an angle-aid card to remind ladder users about general ladder safety and positioning.

Key safety questions that the initiative will highlight are:

  • is a ladder the right equipment for the job?
  • can work be safely carried out using a ladder?
  • is the ladder in good working condition?
  • is the ladder secure?
  • is the ladder at the correct angle?
  • will the environment allow for safe working at height?

Paul Reeve, ECA health and safety advisor, says: "Contrary to popular belief, the biggest safety risk facing maintenance electricians is not working with electricity...it is falls from height. We are pleased to be working in partnership with others to provide good practice information on working at height."

To find out more about the HSE's Falls from height priority programme check the web site www.hse.gov.uk.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor