Construction industry professionals have been issued a reminder about the importance of health and safety when working at heights.

HSENI has launched a new campaign which specifically focuses on using suitable access equipment, working platforms and edge protection when working at height. This campaign comes on the back of tragic news that since 2020, falls have killed nine workers carrying out construction work at height in Northern Ireland.

It is essential, for those in control of work at height, to make sure work is properly planned supervised and carried out by competent people with the skills, knowledge and experience to do the job. If in doubt seek advice from a competent health and safety professional as to how to carry the work out safely.

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When planning work at height it is essential to select the most appropriate piece of work equipment for the activity to be undertaken such as properly erected external scaffolding when building a house, an extension or when having substantial roof or chimney works undertaken.

HSENI has outlined a series of measures which must be implemented when working at height.

• Plan early for the provision of scaffold, edge protection or other work equipment;

• Ensure scaffold is erected and modified by competent scaffolders at appropriate stages and inspections are carried out before being used for the first time, after any event likely to have affected strength and stability and at regular intervals not exceeding seven days;

• Ensure internal falls are considered and appropriate collective measures are provided such as staging, birdcage scaffolding or proprietary decking systems;

• Consider light-wells and roof lights and ensure these are protected;

• Take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces;

• Provide protection from falling objects;

• Ensure the selection of the most appropriate MEWP, check it has a current Thorough Examination report and the operator has received appropriate MEWP training.