Firms warned about falls from height
Commercial insurance
26th March 2009
Businesses are being urged to ensure employees are protected from falls in the workplace.
The warning, which also highlights the importance of securing employers' liability insurance, came after a partner in a dairy firm was prosecuted for breaching health and safety legislation.
Andrew Howard, a partner in Beechdean Dairies, was given a fine of £6,000 at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court. He was also ordered to pay costs of £5,000 and a victim surcharge of £15.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Kelly Nichols said that falls while working at height remain the single biggest cause of deaths in the workplace and one of the most significant causes of injury.
"More workers are injured falling from a ladder than any other access equipment," she commented, adding: "In 2007-08, 16 workers died and over 1,100 suffered major injury following a fall from a ladder."
According to the HSE, almost 11,000 people suffered serious injury as a result of a trip or slip in the last 12 months.
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