The human body is an incredible thing. Not only do we have over two tennis court lengths’ worth of digestive organs tucked away inside our abdominal cavity, but a healthy human thigh bone has been shown to be stronger than concrete. However, the human body isn’t known for its “bouncing” properties and falls from height can cause life-changing injuries or worse, leaving individuals unable to work or function in daily life.
For this reason, it is extremely important that staff not only receive proper IPAF training for working Newcastle or Tyne and Wear jobs but also that they consistently stay aware of safely working from height. When the cost could be your ability to work or even your life, there should be absolutely no cutting corners or improper activity.
Workplace Accidents Decreasing
Since the 2000/2001 self-reporting period for worker injuries, reported workplace accidents have been on a steady downtrend, although they have started to level out in recent years. During the 2016/2017 working year in the UK, 7% of all non-fatal reported injuries were falls from a height. This figure is unchanged from the previous year, reporting period 2014/2015, showing that while accidents in the workplace are falling in general, falls from height are still one of the leading causes of injury.
A similar trend can be seen in the number of fatal injuries occurring to employees in the workplace, with a drastic reduction in the numbers of fatalities since 2001 and a gentle plateau in recent years. Sadly, the most common fatal accident to occur is a fall from height, with 35% of all fatal accidents reported as a fall.
What More Can Employees Do to Prevent Falls?
Employees who are expected to work at height and with powered access platforms should have received the correct training from their employees. This might include PASMA, harness or IPAF training, which can be carried out in our Newcastle training centre, in Birtley.
In addition, all staff should be fully trained and encouraged to keep working areas safe by removing hazards, keeping areas well lit, providing suitable handrails or handgrips and checking all floor surfaces provide enough grip and are dry and clean. This is particularly important as we move into the colder winter months when outdoor surfaces are likely to be wet and slippery.
At a minimum, staff should be working two to a job, with numbers increasing as the amount of responsibilities increase. After all, well-trained staff who work well together are more able to look out for each other. With the support of others around them, workplace accidents can be reduced even further, especially when training places emphasis on the importance of being aware of your surroundings.
If you are looking for quality training for your staff who are working at height, we can offer day sessions for PASMA, harness and IPAF training in Newcastle. Get in touch with our team to find out more on 0191 442 1989 or by using our contact form.