Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
As a new Government report puts working at height safety in the spotlight, Marley has hosted free courses at its training centre in Burton to help contractors stay up to date with the latest safety requirements and reduce the risk of falls on site.
Delivered by Midland Roof Training, the two half-day courses included an overview of working at height legislation and gave advice on risk assessment and fall prevention. The training also covered specific issues for roofing contractors, such as safe ladder use, edge protection, fragile roofs, roof lights and using battens as a foothold.
Stuart Nicholson, roof systems director at Marley, explains: “Since the introduction of the Work at Height regulations in 2005, the UK has had lower accident levels than many other countries in Europe. However, falls from height have still been the most common cause of fatal injury of workers in the past five years. Therefore, we welcome the improvements recommended by the Working at Height All-Party Parliamentary Group and are pleased that the report has brought attention to the important issue of fall prevention.
“Working at heights safety is critical in all parts of the construction sector, but particularly in roofing. Roofers will be all too aware of the stories that feature regularly in trade media about tragic roof accidents and as a manufacturer, as well as ensuring our products meet the highest quality and safety standards, we want to help contractors take all steps necessary to assess risk, prevent falls and improve reporting. The training was really informative and if the course helps to prevent even one injury, then it will have been successful.”
The All-Party Parliamentary Group released its report ‘Staying Alive: Preventing Serious Injury and Fatalities while Working at Height’ in March. Recommendations included enhanced reporting and a major review of working at height culture.
For more information about Marley’s training courses for contractors, visit www.marley.co.uk
