A recent study by 3M who conducted a worldwide study into how different markets prioritise different PPE products showed gloves and hard hats high on the list. Whilst this year’s annual report from European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) argues that investment and training in health and safety procedures in the workplace has both economic and ethical benefits.
Director Mat Gray that heads up the companies Health & Safety said, “The two reports out this week demonstrate that high profile items such as gloves and ear protection have become almost mandatory in the UK. However, training for professionals working at height remains an area of lesser concern to the possible detriment of safety and productivity. The construction industry effectively dealt with the issue by banning any temporary access and introducing costly solutions such as scaffold or powered access. These are not practical options for most businesses and staff required to work at height require better training to correctly select and inspect the correct ladder or work platform for the task.”
The TB Davies group believes investment in one its training courses will help reduce injury and increase productivity. The company offers a range of training courses especially designed for working at height. The company has a training facility in South Wales where it can deliver accredited training from both PASMA and the Ladder Association.
The Ladder Association now provide a specific inspectors course designed for those responsible for ensuring equipment is regularly checked and suitable for use. In addition to the renowned Towers for users course, PASMA also delivers a range of specialist courses; Low Level, Work at Height (Essentials) and Towers for Managers. These courses enjoy an enviable reputation amongst management and health and safety practitioners, who seek objective proof of competence for staff engaged in the assembly, use, inspection and dismantling of towers
Under the Working at Height regulations every person in the chain leading up to, and including, the final user, has a duty of care to both themselves and others to know and understand the practical implications of working safely at height.
Mat Gray continued, “Whilst there is a long way to go in raising the profile of Working at Height competence within many businesses, it is heartening to see organisations such as Welsh Water selecting TB Davies to roll out Ladder Training to their workforce. Demonstration of competence is a key requirement and successful completion of the training courses will not only prevent injuries but also help increase output.”
