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HSE: Thousands suffer workplace injuries due to falls from height
Thousands of workers in the UK suffer injuries while working at height, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has pointed out.
Jonathan Wills, inspector at the organisation - which exists to reduce the risks to people's health that arise as a result of workplace activities - said that 58 employees lost their lives in 2007-08 due to such accidents.
In addition, more than 3,600 staff members sustained major injuries in falls.
The HSE is currently targeting firms operating in Sunderland and the surrounding area in a three-week series of inspections.
Working with the local council, it is visiting industrial estates to check whether companies are complying with health and safety laws.
Mr Wills commented: "During our inspections we'll ... be identifying where ladders are being used and ensuring they're safe. Where 'dodgy' ladders are identified we will take appropriate enforcement action."
He also pointed out that until the end of December, anyone with a broken, damaged or bent ladder can part-exchange it for a new one for a discounted price as part of the HSE's Ladder Exchange initiative.
03/11/2009 16:07
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