Health & Safety Executive - Working at Height Regulations 2005

You may already be aware of these new regulations. So how does this legislation apply to your organisation  - and what are the legal implications for yourself as an individual contracting the work for yourself or on behalf of others?

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf

"The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers, the self-employed, and any person who controls the work of others (EG facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height)"

Duty holders’ responsibilities

"You must ... ensure that no work is done at height if it is safe and reasonably practicable to do it other than at height"

NB - Ladders are dangerous and it is wise to avoid using them if it is at all possible.

The 2005 Health & Safety WAH legislation makes the owner of the premises or contract manager/organiser where work is being undertaken responsible for ensuring that any work undertaken conforms to ALL Health & Safety legislation.

HSE Proposals for Work at Height Regulations, the consultative document issued by the Health and Safety Executive Commission, states:  "pole-cleaning systems may be used for cleaning windows so that the work can be carried out from the ground."

• Who is liable for prosecution if your window cleaner injures himself, or someone else?
• Are you fully aware of the latest Health and Safety legislation on the use of ladders and the legal implications for you personally?

More details can be found at:

http://www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm#6

HSE Statistic - In 2001/2002 68 people died and nearly 4,000 suffered a serious injury as a result of a fall from a height. The use of ladders is dangerous and it is wise to avoid using them on site if it is at all possible.