On Tuesday 26th February the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Working at Height published its report into serious injuries and fatalities of employees whilst working at height. The Group took verbal and written evidence and the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) played its part in this Consultation. The Report revealed some stark figures showing that the UK has 0.55 fatalities per 100,000 employees. This is by no means the worst but just a single fatality that could be avoided is too much.
The Report highlighted that more needs to be done to improve the safety culture in organisations where working at height is normal practice. Paul Blanchard, who is a champion for change, spoke passionately about his experiences. Paul had been a building contractor for over 20 years but fell from a height of 12 feet resulting in three months in a coma and nine months in hospital. He now regularly shares his experience of life as a wheelchair user and how it impacts on his family.
The GGF is working closely with The Ladder Association to create an awareness program for window installers which will include a toolkit for business leaders. It will help senior managers, directors and company owners communicate with their workers who have worked from ladders without incident for many years and continue to work from height on a regular basis.
To find out more about working from height please feel free to refer to the GGF guidance on the subject included in these two excellent publications on the GGF website:
