Slippery roofs 'need safety measures'

Categories: General Health and Safety |


Slippery roofs 'need safety measures' Slippery rooftops can be extremely dangerous for employees working at height unless there are safety measures in place to stop them falling, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has advised.

A company was recently prosecuted for allowing two of its workers to carry out tasks on a roof without scaffolding, barriers or safety edges put up to protect them against falls.

Despite being given advice by the HSE on four occasions, the company went ahead and told the workers to recoat the slippery surface.

HSE inspector Sandra Tomlinson commented: "When one of our inspectors visited the property he was shocked to see the workers pressure washing the roof without safety barriers or scaffolding.

"This could easily have resulted in one or both of the employees being seriously injured or even killed if they had slipped and fallen to the ground below."

Safety helmets could be worn by people working at height.

Steven Binnie, product manager at Arco, added: "The significance of a safety helmet cannot be stressed enough, to ensure the safety of workers.

"Regulation 4 of the Personal Protection Equipment at Work Regulations (1992) and the Construction (Head Protection) Regulations (1989) requires that head protection be used in hazardous areas."
 ADNFCR-1200-ID-800705871-ADNFCR

Related Articles

Schoolchildren promote the use of PPE

Schoolchildren promote the use of PPE

Primary school children in Gateshead have been promoting the use of personal protective equipment and clothing through a series of posters on display in their local library.

Transport operators warned to 'be seen'

Transport operators warned to 'be seen'

Transport operators have been warned by the HSE to ensure that safety measures are taken when using large vehicles.

UK firm praised for health and safety record

UK firm praised for health and safety record

A British business which manufactures toilet solutions has been applauded for its health and safety standards.

Asbestos removal 'requires licence, survey and training'

Asbestos removal 'requires licence, survey and training'

Workers who routinely come into contact with asbestos as part of their job have been reminded of the importance of keeping the substance...

Warehouse safety important over Christmas period

Warehouse safety important over Christmas period

With millions of products being shipped out over the Christmas period, warehouses are working overtime to meet demand, especially as...

Back to articles

Arco website help desk - Need help? email: web.help@arco.co.uk © Arco Limited, Registered in England, No 133804, PO Box 21 Waverley Street, Hull HU1 2SJ.
VAT No: 166911546