A recent case from the Health and Safety Executive focuses on how poor management control puts workers at risk. It is important that effective Health and Safety precautions are put in place by management in order to prevent incidents occurring in the workplace
The case was heard by Blackpool Magistrates’ Court and heard how Blackburn logistics company, Speed Drop Logistics Ltd, failed to provide fall protection for workers replacing the roof of its premises. Health and Safety Executive inspectors visited their warehouse in Blackburn and observed two workers on the roof, who were undertaking work without any physical protection or any work equipment in place to prevent or minimise the distance of a fall.
A further investigation was undertaken by the HSE, from which they also found that the roof of the warehouse was fragile and that employees were put at risk of coming through it. The company did not have any precautions in place to stop workers falling from or through the roof. This means that workers could potentially suffer from personal injury or even death. The company should have considered that the removal of tiles be carried out from underneath the roof using a scissor lift or a cherry picker and that scaffolding should have been put in place to create a barrier and to minimise the distance of a possible fall.
Speed Drop Logistics Ltd of Manner Sutton Street, Blackburn, was fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1570.60, after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Following the hearing, HSE inspector Stuart Hadfield, stated: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standard.”
Employers, including the senior leadership team have a responsibility under the Health & Safety at Work Act to ensure employees are safe when carrying out their roles. One area of focus is to ensure that risk assessments are carried out and acted upon promptly at all working environments. Health and safety advice should be sought, if needed, to ensure that the necessary measures are put in place as well as ensuring that employees have received sufficient relevant training.
If you have any queries regarding health and safety, leadership responsibilities, or training including carrying out risk assessments or working at heights, please get in touch with one of the team on 01924 827869. We would be happy to help.
Resource:
https://press.hse.gov.uk/2020/03/18/poor-management-control-puts-workers-at-risk/
