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Reducing Accidents in the Workplace

Following correct safety procedures and training is key to reducing workplace accidents.

Compliance with safety guidelines ensures that risks are managed effectively, protecting both yourself and your colleagues. By staying informed, following proper protocols, and using the right equipment, we can create a safer work environment for everyone.

Small actions, like wearing the correct PPE and adhering to training, make a big difference in preventing injuries and promoting a culture of safety.

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Working at Height remains one of the biggest causes of fatalities and major injuries in the UK.

It refers to any task where, without proper precautions, a person could fall a distance that may result in personal injury.

Examples include working:

  • On a flat roof
  • From a ladder
  • From scaffolding
  • At ground level, adjacent to an open excavation
  • Near or adjacent to fragile materials
  • From access equipment
  • Anywhere else where there is a risk of falling

It is vital that any staff member working from height, or supervising work from height, is familiar with the Working at Height Procedures. 

Staff should also be aware of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which is there to protect staff and others against risks to their health, safety and well-being while working at height.

It is the employee's responsibility to:

  • Cooperate with their line manager in respect of any instruction made for the benefit of their safety or another’s.

  • Report any defective or damaged equipment to their line manager as soon as is practicable.

  • Not do anything which might put themselves or others at risk by working at height on Council premises or with Council equipment without having completed an assessment of risk and implemented suitable control measures.

  • Report any activity or defect which may endanger the safety of themself or others.

  • Use work equipment provided in accordance with training and instruction.

 

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It is the line manager/supervisor's responsibility to:

  • Avoid work at height where possible and assess the risk where this is not possible.

  • Implement control measures in line with the risk hierarchy.

  • Ensure that a risk assessment is carried out for all work activities which involve working at height. This will include emergency rescue procedures where appropriate.

  • Ensure that where practicable, the use of ladders is avoided in favour of other forms of work at height equipment such as mobile elevated work platforms, scaffolding etc.

  • Ensure that a permit to work system is used where the working at height activity poses a particularly high risk such as that involving roof-work.

  • Ensure that those working at height are adequately trained, fit and competent to do so.

  • Ensure that work at height equipment is checked before use and formerly inspected routinely.

  • Ensure that any work at height equipment found to be unsuitable is taken out of use and either repaired or destroyed which means cutting through so it cannot be reused.

  • Ensure that records are made and retained of all equipment inspections. access specialist advice when seeking to undertake a new working at height activity.

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In the Event of an Accident, Incident or Near-Miss:

1. Accidents/incidents must be recorded ASAP using an Accident (AC1) or Incident (INC1) form.*

2. The employee must pass the accident/incident form on to the line manager/ supervisor as soon as possible. 

3. The line manager/supervisor must complete the relevant section for managers, before sending it on to the Health, Safety and Well-being Team:




*The form should preferably be completed by the person who has had the accident/incident -however, if this is not possible, a colleague will complete the form on their behalf.

Please refer to the Accident/Incident Reporting Procedure for detailed information and guidance. 

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The Council will provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) free of charge if a risk assessment shows that it is needed, and the risk cannot be adequately controlled by other means.

Full details can be found in the PPE and RPE Procedures.

It is the employee's responsibility to:

  • Follow their risk assessments and wear the PPE and/or RPE identified by them.

  • Inform their line manager/supervisor of any problems that they may have with the PPE and RPE identified and work with their line manager to find a solution.

  • Ensure that PPE and RPE fits them correctly and report any broken or damaged PPE or RPE.

  • Keep PPE and RPE clean and maintained in accordance with manufacturers guidance.

  • Not deface, amend, or alter PPE and/or RPE in anyway as this will render the protection level it offers invalid.

  • Attend any training on the use of PPE and RPE required.

  • If face fitting is required, follow the process to support their well-being.

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It is the line manager/supervisor's responsibility to:

  • Complete the risk assessments which identify PPE and/or RPE as a control measure.

  • Ensure that where PPE and/or RPE is identified, it is the correct standard, fit and type for the task. Managers will take account of sex and gender differences when identifying PPE & RPE and will seek help from the health safety and well-being team where required.

  • Avoid PPE and RPE that contain latex as far as reasonably practicable and where this cannot be done there is a risk assessment in place with control measures to support the usage.

  • Ensure that the PPE and/or RPE identified is issued to employees, worn, and maintained in good condition. Including providing face fit testing for RPE.

  • Ensure that staff who are required to use PPE and/or RPE are trained.

  • Ensure all staff that are required to wear PPE and/or RPE do so, and any problems are resolved in a timely manner. Working with employees to find solutions if the PPE or RPE identified aggravates medical issues.

  • Manage employees who deface or refuse to wear PPE and/or RPE.

 

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