July 12, 2010
UK Health And Safety Legislation For Window Cleaners
In the UK, all workers are protected by legislation provided by the HSE. Window cleaners are at risk from the falls from height, which lead to the highest number of work related deaths in the UK every year. In 2005-6 such falls led to over 3000 serious injuries and nearly 50 fatalities. As window cleaners can not completely avoid working at height, it is essential that they are trained in risk assessment, planning and equipment accordance with United Kingdom health and safety legislation for window cleaners.
Employers should ensure that all appropriate and reasonable steps are taken to ensure the safety of employees. This includes provision of training and equipment. It is in the interests of any business and its employees to ensure that health and safety regulations are observed well.
No employee should perform a job where they have not been trained to assess risk and perform it safely, at least without the supervision of a trained employee. Employers should ensure that their workforce is fully trained to make good risk assessments and to safely plan work accordingly. As well as providing comprehensive training, employers should also provide regular updates for all employees.
As with any job, it is important to carry out a risk assessment prior to any task and plan accordingly. When working in an area such as window cleaning employees should be taught to consider, firstly, to avoid working at height unless essential. Secondly, employees should be able to carry out an assessment of the working conditions which may effect the level of risk such as ground surfaces, weather, height to be accessed and so on and plan out the task to be carried out as safely as possible using appropriate equipment. Lastly, if the risk of fall cannot be completely removed, employees should be trained in how to minimise the effects of any fall which may occur.
Using the correct equipment is essential to minimise potential risks of injury when window cleaning. The employer should provide relevant equipment to maintain worker safety. Regular inspections should take place to ensure that any equipment in use meets the standards set out by the Health and Safety Executive. Employees should be trained in the appropriate and safe use of equipment, such as ladders and platforms, according to guidelines and legislation. They should also be taught to do a basic safety check of any equipment just before its use.
A little basic checking and planning is all a small business need to do to protect itself and its employees’ interests. Information and advise is readily available from the Health and Safety Executive, local councils and trade associations. Independent health and safety advisers can be found, who can offer advice on risk management, especially for larger companies and more complicated jobs. A larger business may employ a dedicated health and safety officer.
With a little information and advice, any window cleaning business can greatly reduce health and safety risks to its employees by considering United Kingdom health and safety legislation for window cleaners.
If you would like to become a window cleaner or operate a window cleaning service, you should learn all the information regarding the law and safety regulations for window cleaners North London.
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