Work at height on an excavator
We’ve heard tale recently of the issue of new legislative requirements for the protection of staff, maintenance fitters in particular, regarding falls from height when working on excavators.
Whilst you may have experience of larger contractors insisting that edge protection is fitted this isn’t a statutory requirement. It is, however, good practice as the result of a fall can be significant.
The real story
Whilst it’s not written in stone a Principal Contractor would be well within his rights to insist that you have measures to prevent these falls in place, this could be guard rails or some other means such as fall arrest or bags to cushion any fall. For most of us this means applying the best practice of edge protection will become the norm in the coming months.
In simple terms you must comply with the site operators / owners requirement and if this means edge protection then that’s what will have to happen. Don’t be too resistant to this as there is good sense behind this and its you and your staff who are being protected, we know you might have a grumble but better safe than sorry!
If you’ve got questions or need support on safety in the industrial, contracting or construction sectors please contact us for sensible and proportionate advice on 01453 800 100
