A new year, a new focus on safety

Let's make this year the safest at height yet!

It’s January, the month of reflection and fresh starts! And, that’s not just limited to diets, gym memberships, and bad habits. Working at height is still claiming one of the top spots for workplace accidents and fatalities, so why not use that ‘new year, new me’ mentality to review your working at height safety procedures? It makes business sense.

Workplace accidents: the stats

According to the 2018/2019 RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) statistics, 147 workers died in the UK in 2018/2019, 40 of which were because of falls from height. That’s an increase from the 35 falling from height fatalities in 2017/2018. The annual average, based on data from 2014/2015 to 2018/2019, is 36.

The RIDDOR statistics also show that employers reported 69,208 non-fatal injuries in 2018/2019 and that working at height accounted for 8% of those – that’s 5,536 injuries in just one year.

Additionally, the Labour Force Survey, which records self-reported data from workers, stated that 581,000 people sustained an injury while working in 2018/2019; 138,000 of those resulted in more than seven days off work. It’s a real problem.

The cost of non-fatal accidents

Accidents at work, in general, have huge implications and not just for the individuals, some of who suffer life-changing impacts and ongoing health care costs. As an employer, for example, accidents could cost you:

• Time and money spent investigating why the accident occurred
• Lost working time, reduced productivity and delays
• Reduction in income
• Employee shortages and time spent hiring new or temporary workers
• Sick pay and other health care costs
• Legal costs
• Fines

Additionally, accidents at work could have a lasting impact on your business reputation, with suppliers, clients and future employees looking to work with companies that show a commitment to health and safety.

New Year, New focus on safety

With all that in mind, why not start the new year by reviewing your work at height practices and health and safety generally to ensure you have everything in place and are working as safely as possible. It will reduce the chance of accidents and make your employees happier, healthier and more productive.

If you would like to talk through any of your work at height needs, we’re happy to help and can provide advice, IPAF and PASMA training, work at height access equipment and operator hire. We are working at height specialists who understand the importance of health and safety when working at height.

Call us to find out more; we have depots in Huntingdon (01480 891 581) and Newcastle (0191 236 7120).