Health and Safety in Berkshire, Essex and the Surrounding Counties | Promoting Safe Work at Height
M.L.A. uses risk assessments to identify hazards at workplaces in London and the surrounding Home Counties. Risk assessments involve a series of control measures so that we can help our clients to mitigate any hazards found. This blog post discusses how we use a hierarchy of control to eliminate risk or to find alternative processes for those working at height. We also look at other forms of control in engineering and administration, and at the use of PPE.
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Expected work-at-height control measures encourage the following:
- Increased awareness of risk between management and personnel
- Enhanced safety awareness in the workplace
- Measurement of the scale and likelihood of possible risks
- Production of documentation stating actions that need to be taken
- Regular reviews of safety policies to facilitate continuous improvement
Without the required health and safety measures in place, risks will continue to impact employee safety and accidents become more likely.
Hierarchy of Control
In the capacity of a health and safety consultant, M.L.A. establishes a system that follows a hierarchy of control. This system uses five different levels, the first of which is always the most effective. Each level has a critical role to play in making work at height safer, and the system is one that is applied around other safety concerns in workplaces to further reduce the potential for harm.
M.L.A. uses the levels below to assess work-at-height risks in Berkshire, Essex, Kent, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Sussex and London:
Elimination
By removing hazards completely, personnel working at height are no longer exposed to specific risks and this measure is one that helps prevent negative outcomes for your workforce and for your organisation.
An example here could be storing materials at a low height so that personnel never need to overreach and potentially fall from a work platform.
Substitution
If risk cannot be eliminated completely, the next best safety measure is to find a safer alternative that reduces the exposure that comes from work at height. Instead of using ladders to access a roof or to replace guttering, for example, hire or buy a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) to ensure safer reach.
Similarly, swap out older equipment for newer and safer alternatives. Keep in mind that damaged equipment presents a health and safety risk.
Engineering Controls
The next most effective control measure is to establish engineering controls to modify the working environment, or any equipment or processes used, so that there is an active physical barrier between the employee and the hazard.
Using guardrails on scaffolding and MEWPs can help to stop falls from height.
Administrative Controls
Modifying working practices is another critical health and safety measure to consider and practical solutions can also improve morale, productivity and employee performance. These measures are referred to as administrative controls and can also include risks found by employees while on the job.
Effective measures can include training courses for MEWP operation or the use of signage onsite to alert staff and contractors to potential risks.
PPE
Personal protective equipment has an active role to play in health and safety but should only be use in conjunction with other levels or when a risk cannot be eliminated by other measures. The use of safety harnesses and lanyards can arrest falls and stop employees from sustaining life-threatening injuries.
Hard hats protect the head from falling materials, tools and debris.
If your business or organisation is actively involved in work at height and takes on projects in Berkshire, Essex, Kent, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Sussex or London, M.L.A. would like to hear from you. We consult with clients at a more personal level to identify risks specific to the trades and industries they work in. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution, and it is in the best interests of your company to use a consultancy with a bespoke approach.
Health and safety in the workplace is always important but when a project involves work at height, it becomes even more critical to mitigate risk.