Roofline Roundup

Work your way (safely) up the ladder

Two years ago the Work at Height Regulations were introduced in response to increasing falling accidents in industry. Falls from height accounted for almost 25% of deaths at work each year.

This year, comparable figures show a reduction in deaths and major accidents, proving these regulations have a positive effect on improving safety. A simple check like regularly inspecting equipment may seem obvious to anyone who has ever worked on a roof, but it can save a life. When you’ve got a job to do before the weather changes it’s often inconvenient to stop, but valuable lessons can be learnt from a momentary consideration.

Of course safety should be considered before anyone sets foot on scaffolding or a ladder. Each job should be risk assessed as part of the planning stage. The correct equipment, plus safety trained installers can be organised in advance, saving time and money and preventing accidents.

The role of the risk assessment in the workplace is familiar. Even fire prevention and protection is now the responsibility of the business owner, not the fire department. We all have to be proactive in protecting people and buildings. Ultimately, we’re protecting our business too.

Some home improvement companies rely on ‘low tech’ equipment - ladders. Ladders should not be underestimated; for their usefulness or their potential danger. Don’t get complacent; assess suitability and safety in advance. Make sure the ladder extends at least 1.0m beyond the roof access point to provide a handhold, use a stand off device and ensure resting surfaces are suitable and the ladder is secured.

However ladder use isn’t as simple as it used to be. Now health and safety legislation determines that the only safe use of a ladder means working one-handed; with the other holding onto the ladder. This applies to everyone on site working on your behalf and a slip-up can be costly for your company. In most roofline work ladders are impractical and a platform is needed. Towers or Easi-Dec access systems are suitable and cost-effective. Unsupported ladders are an absolute no-no.

But maybe I’m teaching Granny to suck eggs? We don’t need to mess about with safety training or risk assessments, do we? In fact statistics show that inappropriate selection and use of ladders account for an unacceptably high number of accidents each year.

Make sure you take time to prevent unnecessary incidents. It can save lives, improve working conditions and build a positive reputation for your business.

For further information on installing roofline or if you have any questions email Ken Davies at kendavies@everwhiteplastics.com or call 01685 882447.

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