What is the leading cause of deaths in the workplace? Short Answer: falls from height count for more than a quarter of workplace fatalities in Great Britain, making falls the biggest cause of workplace deaths.
According to the latest statistics from the Health & Safety Executive, approximately 26% of fatal workplace injuries in Great Britain are the result of a fall from height. Between 2013 and 2018, more workers died from a fall than died from:
Falls from height also accounted for around 8% of non-lethal accidents in British workplaces during the same period.
The above statistics have prompted calls for more stringent safety laws, but it's worth noting that The Work at Height Regulations 2005 already require work at height to be properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner by competent personnel only.
Read More: What Height Safety Equipment is Legally Required?
Perhaps the real problem is that too many employers don't take the existing regulations seriously until an accident has already happened. If you and/or your employees work at potentially dangerous heights, you may require one or more of the following systems to keep them safe:
Here at SafetyLiftinGear.com, we specialise in high-quality height safety equipment that protects workers from potentially deadly falls. Contact us today to get a quote for your fall protection needs, or use the links below to browse our full range of height safety products.
Height Safety Equipment > Fall Protection Hire >
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Fall arrest blocks are an essential piece of equipment for safety when working at height or below ground, designed to help minimise the risk of injury or sometimes fatal accidents. Working in these conditions without appropriate safety measures in place such as a fall arrest system not only puts your own safety at danger but others' too.
Fall arrest blocks are made up of a retractable lifeline, made from either a synthetic rope or steel cable, which retracts up onto a reel stored within a protected housing. This housing is often manufactured from an anti-corrosive metal but in some cases, they can be made from plastic, like some of our G-Force Arrest Blocks, meaning that they are more lightweight and easier to carry. With portability being a real positive with plastic arrest blocks, one of the potential issues that may occur over time is damage as a result of the conditions that they're exposed to. This may propose a new element of risk as you should never use faulty or damaged safety equipment for obvious reasons.
One way you can combat this potential problem, however, is with a Weather Cover! These handy accessories are designed to protect your fall arrest block against extreme weather conditions and prolong the life of the retractable line. Perfect if you find yourself working outside in an area or country (like the UK) that always seems to be subject to abject weather. Take a look below to see some of the Weather Covers available for our G-Force Arrest Blocks!
Product Features:
. Clear transparent design allows Block to always been seen
. Dimensions - 500 x 335mm
. Suitable for the following G-Force Arrest Blocks: AH210/AH220/WR025/CR30/WR100/CR200/CR250
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Product Details:
. Dimensions - 500 x 390mm
. Suitable for the G-Force CR300 20mtr, 25mtr & 28mtr Fall Arrest Blocks
**Please note that Fall Arrest Blocks are sold separately** Click below to view our full range of Fall Arrest Blocks.
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For more information on our collection of Weather Covers, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our customer services team today by calling 0117 9381 600 or emailing us at sales@safetyliftingear.com - we'd be happy to help!
A scaffolding company located in Dorset has been sentenced after a 49-year old worker fell victim to serious, life-changing injuries as a result of falling five metres through a skylight whilst working.
Paul Norris was working for Solar Scaffold Services Limited, who were contacted to erect an access tower and guard rails on the roof perimeter of industrial units in Christchurch during April 2017. On completion of the work on the access tower, Mr Norris proceeded to assist his co-workers with work on the guard rails, gaining access via the roof. As he was doing this, Mr Norris fell through a skylight which was approximately five metres above the floor and suffered a number of serious injuries to his arm, elbow, wrists, ribs and pelvis as a result.
Following the injuries, Mr Norris remained in the hospital for three weeks, undergoing several operations with much physiotherapy still required. This has resulted in him being registered disabled, forced to move into an adapted flat, the inability to return to work and his wife having to give up work in order to provide full-time care.
Following an investigation conducted by the HSE, it was found that the employer Solar Scaffold Services Limited, failed in their duty to provide adequate safety measures, through poor planning, supervision and execution. Insufficient measures were taken to prevent the fall whilst work was carried out on the fragile roof.
This has resulted in Solar Scaffold Services Limited pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and being fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of more than £3,000.
HSE Inspector Caroline Penwill stated after the hearing that "falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities and injuries in this country. This serious incident could have been avoided if the work had been properly planned to reduce risk."
To ensure you are properly protected whilst working at height, take a look at our range of Height Safety Equipment by clicking below - if you have any questions regarding any of our products, then please contact us today!
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A safety harness is one of the main pieces of equipment you'll need when working at height. It enables you to attach yourself to a fixed and secure object via a lanyard ensuring you limit the consequences and severity of a fall. Safety harnesses don't just assure your safety when working at height - they also enable you to work more efficiently and safely, with both hands-free.
Falls from height cause a lot of injuries in UK workplaces, so it's vital that you equip yourself with a safety harness - but which type of harness is right for you?
1-point harnesses are some of the simplest and most cost-effective harnesses on the market. They are great for working in environments where you need the security of the harness but a good range of movement. With a single attachment at the rear, you can easily connect and disconnect from your safety lanyard as required. We offer a huge range of 1-point safety harnesses for you to choose from. Click the button below to shop.
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While our 1-point safety harnesses offer adequate security, our 2-point safety harnesses can be worn when you need additional support. Boasting both front and rear attachment points, our 2-point safety harnesses are incredibly versatile and will keep you secure in a wide range of scenarios. All of our 2-point harnesses are incredibly comfortable and can be worn all day with ease.
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If you need a good all-rounder harness for a range of applications, look no further than our multi-purpose harnesses. Whether you're a professional looking for a harness for work, or a recreational climber in need of some new gear, our multi-purpose harnesses won't let you down. We carry multi-purpose harnesses from a range of reputable brands including Ridgegear, Heightec, and PETZL. All you need to do is choose the right one for you!
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Work positioning harnesses (also known as sit harnesses) are designed to provide maximum comfort and security when you're working at height for long periods of time. They're favoured by arborists because they provide complete support around the waist and legs while leaving the arms free to work. Many of our work positioning harnesses come with optional shoulder straps. Be sure to check your chosen work positioning harness if this is something that you require.
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When you're working at height or in a confined space, there's always a risk that something can go wrong. With the right equipment on hand (a rescue or confined space harness) you'll be able to move injured or trapped climbers to safety in no time. We offer a range of reliable rescue and confined space harnesses that will support you in your time of need.
Above, you can see a great example of a confined space harness, the Tractel HT55 Confined Space Harness. This specialist harness features a belt that can hold a respiratory system, as well as universal quick-release buckles. Shop our full range of rescue and confined space harnesses below.
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Finally, we have our rope access harnesses. These are designed for both professional and recreational use & are perfect for scenarios such as abseiling. They are tested to the relevant health and safety standards, so you can rest assured that you're in good hands while you're working at height.
In addition to our rope access harnesses, we also offer a range of rope access accessories such as carabiners, ascenders and descenders. When used together, our rope access equipment will help you maintain the right position while you're climbing or working at height.
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So there you have it: an overview of some of our most popular harness types. If you are still unsure which type of harness is right for you, why not take a look at everything we have to offer? SafetyLiftinGear is one of the UK's top suppliers of high-quality safety equipment, and we're sure we offer a harness that will meet your needs.
Alternatively, get in touch with the SafetyLiftinGear team and we'll be happy to advise you.
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When working at height, a safety lanyard connects a harness to a secure anchor point, preventing the wearer from falling to the ground.
There are two types of safety lanyard, and it's important to know the difference between them.
A restraint lanyard is designed to prevent falls by prohibiting the wearer from reaching a hazardous position where a fall might occur. For example, one may wear a safety harness and a restraint lanyard while working on an aerial work platform - the length of the lanyard will have been specifically chosen to keep the wearer safely on the platform.
A fall arrest lanyard must be used in situations where fall hazards cannot be avoided. Fall arrest lanyards have an energy-absorbing element that, in the event of a fall, reduces the impact force exerted on the wearer's body and the anchoring point.
More Information: Fall Arrest vs. Fall Restraint
Restraint lanyards (which, remember, are intended to stop people reaching a position where a fall could occur) are typically made of kernmantle rope. Our kernmantle rope lanyards have a minimum breaking strength of 22kN.
We can also supply lanyards with elasticated webbing to help reduce possible trip/snagging hazards.
Both types of lanyard can be purchased from SafetyLiftinGear's Lanyards department.
A safety lanyard may be supplied with a variety of different connectors, including:
The G-Force lanyards we sell here at SafetyLiftinGear have a maximum lifespan of 10 years from the date of manufacture (assuming that you use and store the product correctly and subject it to regular, thorough examinations). This maximum lifespan should not be exceeded, and the equipment must be removed from service once the 10-year period has elapsed.
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If working at height is a regular part of your job, you know that proper fall protection equipment is imperative when it comes to getting the job done efficiently and safely. The dangers of working at height do not stop once the worker’s fall-arrest equipment performs effectively to reduce the consequences of a fall from height. The worker may now be at risk of an equally life-threatening emergency; suspension trauma.
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No matter where you work or where you live, you’re almost guaranteed to see a ladder somewhere! Whether it’s in the middle of a shop floor or stored away in an equipment room or shed, everyone needs a ladder to help complete tasks at those awkward heights. If by any chance you do not have a ladder or are in need of a new one, then SafetyLiftinGear are here to help! Our extensive range of ladders are now restocked, all suitable for various environments and tasks, so whether you need to reach a product on a shelf or have to clean those gutters that you’ve been putting off for months, we are sure to have the ladder you need to get the job done quickly and safely.
All of our ladders are different and are built to serve a number of purposes, below you can find a number of the ladders we offer here at SLG and the best places in which they are suited.
Our collection of Aluminium Telescopic Ladders have recently been restocked and are perfect for a number of tasks both at work and at home. These ladders are collapsible and are available in both lightweight and heavy-duty options, making them great for a number of work and home tasks. Due to their collapsibility, they are able to be stored and transported with ease within the home and congested work environments. Professionals such as riggers and contractors who frequently travel will benefit greatly from using these types of ladders as they can be easily stored in vans and taken along to any job. Our heavy-duty option is also great for use in working environments as they provide the durability and strength needed to last a long time and ensure safety when used. With a design that is both smooth and user-friendly, this ladder makes it easy to choose the desired height in which you need to work at. You can view our entire range of telescopic ladders here.
Our Loft Ladders are perfect if you need a safe and easy solution to get in and out of your attic. Providing unique patented features that include a self-deploying stabiliser a slow closing mechanism to prevent fingers from trapping and with a telescopic build, they are easy to set up and use so you will have no trouble gaining access to your loft. They are also extremely easy to assemble and take up the minimum amount of space in your attic, you really should look no further when it comes to finding a ladder to access your loft. View our full range of loft ladders here.
A classic option, you can most definitely find a step ladder in most home and commercial premises due to their size and ability to be transported easily. As they are shorter than other forms of ladders, these provide an excellent solution when it comes to performing low-level lifting and reaching operations. For added stability and safety, a number of step ladders in our collection contain slip-resistant and anti-slip treads, making these ladders even more safe to use. Click here to view our full range of step ladders.
Please ensure that when you are using any type of ladder you are using it correctly and in the safest possible way. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with the safe use of ladders, then please visit our Ladder Safety page to find out more.
SafetyLiftinGear is a proud members of The Ladder Association, a premier trade association, home to all essential guidance and training needed to ensure working at height is as safe as possible. Along with its members, The Ladder Association gathers expertise to support safety and best practice of ladder use as well as technical advice. As a member, SLG is a recognised organisation that offer both ladder rentals and sales that you can trust, providing you ease of mind that you are receiving a ladder of the highest quality and also provide access to knowledge, resources and support in relation to ladders, which includes training for working at height safely.
It is important to also mention that single British and European product standard covering all types of portable ladders has been substantially revised. For further information on this change visit The Ladder Association page here.
These are just a few of the large selection of ladders that we supply here at SafetyLiftinGear. Other options include Extension, Glass-Fibre and Multi-Purpose Ladders, all of which are in stock can be viewed here to purchase. If you have any questions regarding the ladders mentioned above or our full range of ladders then please do not hesitate to contact us today us today where a member of our customer service team will be more than happy to help.
0117 9381 600
