Big reduction in falls from height injuries

BCSA – NSCG & Industry Targets

BCSA has reported that during the period from 2004 to 2006 there was an 80% reduction in the number of reported construction related falls from height, while there were also no major injuries, compared to eight for the previous two years.

Peter Walker, BCSA Health and Safety Manager said the BCSA has been monitoring monthly data from the National Steelwork Contractors Group during 2006.

“In this same period there were no fatal injuries reported to the HSE,” said Mr Walker.

“In fact, the general trend of reportable accidents is reducing within the industry which is a direct result of the steel construction sector working with the main contractors to ensure adequate conditions are in place to allow the safe erection of steelwork,” he added.

The BCSA says it welcomes the revised Construction (Design & Management) Regulations, which are due in April 2007, as they will improve safety by ensuring that those with on-site influence to make work safer do so through better planning and management.