Working at Height

Latest figures show that 45 people died and 3351 workers suffered a serious injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace.

Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and second most common cause of major injury to employees. Whilst falls are more prevalent in some working environments, construction for example, exposure to these risks are common throughout all sectors of industry.

It is recognised that the main cause for falls from height result from poor health and safety management rather than equipment failure.

It is therefore important that employers and employees are aware of all the risks found in their workplace and that control measures are put in place to eliminate or at least manage the risk so as to prevent harm.

The Work at Height Regulations (NI) 2005 placed more stringent requirements on employers and employees alike to control work that is carried out at levels other than ground level.

Environmental Health Offices of Derry City Council will focus inspections to raise awareness of the hazards of working at heights by assessing various premises on how they manage such work. During such inspections Officers will identify what work at height is carried out, for example, window cleaning, high level storage, who does it, employee, private contractor etc. It also looks to what equipment is used, is it appropriate, how is it maintained and what management controls are in place to ensure the work is carried out safely.

Link to HSE Website - Falls From Heights

For further information please contact:

barry.doherty@derrycity.gov.uk

martin.daly@derrycity.gov.uk

eamonn.toner@derrycity.gov.uk

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