Risk Management

Working at Height

The Government's News Network (GNN - www.gnn.gov.uk) recently contained a brief note about the HSE's latest successful prosecution for failure to adopt safe working practices.

During an inspection it was found that a self employed builder and two men he was employing were erecting a farm building without using any of the appropriate safety measures such as netting or barriers. The HSE prosecuted even though there had been no accident or injury. The builder was fined £2,000 with costs of £1,500.

The HSE is clearly prepared to act when they spot flagrant breaches of good practice or legislation - even if there has not been an accident or injury.

The HSE believes this shift towards a proactive approach is believed to get cases to court more quickly and help spread the word that failure to adopt good practice will not be tolerated.

May 2007