MEWP & Lifting

As IPAF TRAINED AND QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS WE OFFER A FULL RANGE OF ACCESS AND LIFTING
SERVICES USING SOME OF THE LARGEST MACHINES IN THE COUNTRY.

Falls are the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and the second most common cause of major injuries. The application of correct safety management can reduce the risks that they pose. All industry sectors are exposed to the risks presented by work at height although the incidence varies considerably. The risk of falls is prevalent within the construction sector. 34 of the 72 fatalities in the construction industry in 2007/2008 resulted from a fall from height. Common Factors Most accidents involving falls could have been prevented if the right equipment had been provided, and if the equipment had been adequately maintained and was properly used. But experience shows that as many falls arise due to poor management as are caused by equipment failure. Key faults include a failureTo recognise a problem To ensure that safe systems of work are followed, To provide safe systems of work , To supply adequate information, instruction, training or supervision provided,To ensure use equipment supplied, To provide safe plant/equipment. Causes The most common incidents involve overreaching, over-balancing, equipment failure, misuse of equipment, unexpected movement (particularly where ladders are involved) and the failure of a fragile surface. The main where falls take place are: From ladders (primarily from moveable ladders) From scaffolding (primarily from general access scaffolds) From work area/platforms , From vehicles , From roof edge, Down stairs , Through fragile roofs, From gangways/catwalks. Legal Requirement is governing work at height are: Work at height be avoided where possible, All work at height is properly planned and organised; Those involved in work at height are competent; The risks from working at height are assessed and appropriate work equipment is selected and used; The risks from working on fragile surfaces are properly controlled; and Equipment for work at height is properly inspected and maintained. The Regulations include Schedules that highlight requirements for existing places of work, and means of access for work at height, collective fall prevention (e.g. guardrails, working platforms), collective fall arrest (e.g. nets, airbags etc.), personal fall protection (e.g. work restraints, lanyards) and ladders. Duty holders must:Avoid work at height where they can; Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height; and Where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur. Please note that the regulations apply to all work at height where there is risk of a fall that is liable to cause personal injury. The previous 2 metre rule no longer applies.

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