Working From Height Regulations To Be Streamlined By HSE

The Health and Safety Executive has announced that it is going to adjust its rules regarding working from heights.

The HSE states that there are more than 10 million businesses in Britain and 10 million individual workers who work from heights every year and this type of injury is one of the main causes of serious injuries in the workplace.

The Department for Work and Pensions who oversees the HSE, says that they have produced a plan which will make better the existing regulations which are perceived by many as being over complicated.

The HSE has now produced documentation on falling from heights in the form of a clear set of terms. It also sets the record straight with many ambiguous and vague safety rules that many employers and employees have been uncertain about in the past. The HSE has already changed 300 regulations and has also asked the people who work with the rules and the public, to provide feedback on how the guidelines can be improved.

MP Says 10 Million Face Risks When Working From Heights

MP Mike Penning, who is the Health and Safety Minister, says that the new plan ties in with the government’s economic strategy and that convoluted rules and regulations do not help.

He said: “As a former fireman, I know that the 10 million people who are working at height in this country face risks in their job. But I’m also clear that managing these risks can be done sensibly, by giving simple and clear advice and tackling the myths that can confuse employers.”

Echoing Mr. Penning’s sentiments, Judith Hackitt, who is chair of the HSE said that that falls are one of the biggest causes of workplace accidents and it is important to get it right.

Making A Fall From Height Claim For Compensation

If you have fallen from a height or been injured while working from a height then you could be able to make a personal injury compensation claim. If it can be proven that your accident was caused by a third party then your claim will be valid if it has also been an accident which has happened in the last three years.

If you would like more information and advice on falling from height claims then get in touch with Jefferies. Please call us on 0333 358 3034 or complete a claim form online and we will get back to you.

Published 16th February 2015.