Norwich Union urges builders not to become complacent when working at height

Citation

(2009), "Norwich Union urges builders not to become complacent when working at height", Structural Survey, Vol. 27 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2009.11027aab.004

Norwich Union urges builders not to become complacent when working at height

Article Type: Newsbriefs From: Structural Survey, Volume 27, Issue 1

Keywords: Accidents, Working at height

Working at height is the biggest single cause of serious and fatal injuries on construction sites, according to Norwich Union, part of Aviva. As part of its Simply Safety campaign, the insurer is warning builders not to become complacent when working at height. Phil Grace, liability risk manager at Norwich Union says:

Despite the Work at Height Regulations 2005, businesses still seem oblivious to the risks involved and are often unwilling to put cheap and simple controls in place. Since the introduction of the regulations, responsibility lies with employers, the self-employed and any person supervising the work of others to minimise risk. These individuals are required to ensure that work at height is properly planned and organised. The regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. This applies whether working at one or fifteen metres above the floor.

Working at height is an essential part of day-to-day life in the construction industry. However, in addition to falls from ladders and scaffolding, Grace also notes that a high number of serious accidents occur from falling at “low height” – activity carried out close to the ground, such as unloading materials from a Heavy Goods Vehicle. As part of Norwich Union’s Simply Safety campaign a downloadable guide is available at www.nurs.co.uk advising businesses on working at height.