The dangerous world of Working at Height

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work  collects occupational health and safety statistics from around the world. It claims that ‘Worldwide,

construction workers are three times more likely to be killed and twice as likely to be injured as workers in other occupations’.

This problem is as prevalent in European countries as it is elsewhere. In the UK, where legal safety requirements are arguably better than many other countries the picture is equally unacceptable, with 42 fatal injuries to construction workers in 2009/10, and 52 fatalities in 2008/09. Over 50% of all fatalities involve working at height incidents

Whatever the statistics though, anyone involved with working at height should give the subject of safety their full attention, irrespective of their location.

When faced with a construction project that involves the need to work at height, most contractors will give considerable thought to choosing the most effective and appropriate build methods and appropriate access whilst construction is taking place.

Surely then, people should give the same degree of thought and consideration to selecting the most appropriate edge protection equipment for the same project and ensuring that staff are properly trained on how to use it?

Unfortunately, this is far from the truth as the above statistics highlight. Clearly, more attention needs to be paid to the issue of falls from height. This inevitably means looking far more carefully at the equipment available to prevent these accidents. Whether it is edge protection barriers, fall arrest systems or any other type of preventative solution, all have their part to play and there are many effective systems available on today’s market.

One thing is clear - falls from height is a serious and potentially life-threatening issue and one that nobody can afford to ignore.

Our specialised team here at Pannone work with a wide range of work accident related.  If you or a member of your family has been injured in an accident at work, call our specialist personal injury solicitors on 0800 0384 384 or click here to book a free no obligation meeting.