Accidents happen. And, in many cases, they can be avoided with appropriate personal protection equipment and by following recommended safety protocols.
While the specifics of the incident are unreported, the recent sudden death of Gogglebox’s George Gilbey has spurred safety conversations.
Widely known for his appearances on Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother, George Gilbey tragically lost his life in a fall from height on the 27th of March. Remembered as a kind man who always had time for others, Gilbey was reported to have sustained terminal injuries when working as an electrician at an Essex warehouse.
Aged just 40, Gilbey’s death has been taken as a timely reminder of the importance of working safely at heights. This extends to the suitable placement of work safety signs, as highlighted in this article.
Dangers of Working at Height
There’s an obvious need for safety precautions, given that falls from height account for the majority of workplace deaths. Such falls include those from above ground level and from ground level to a lower level (such as a basement). Working on a roof risk assessment should be carried out before undertaking such tasks, with preparations taken and safety equipment worn to minimise the dangers as much as possible.
Other risks of working at height include:
- Dropping equipment
- Mistakes in the use of ladders
- Falling through fragile surfaces
- Falling into an opening in the floor or ground
Given the range of risks, it’s vital to provide those expected to work at heights with health and safety training. Other precautions should be taken based on the risk-control hierarchy, with such work being avoided where possible, making use of protective equipment, and minimising the distance of any potential fall. Safety signs should also be placed to warn of the risks associated with working at height.
Displaying Work at Height Signs
Employers and those in control of working at height must ensure compliance with working on a roof regulations, such as the Work at Height Regulations of 2005.
This extends to the suitable selection and display of work at height signs, which may include:
Part of the hazard warning safety range, this sign emphasises the risk of accidents involving falling tools, equipment, scaffolding, and other structures or equipment. Made from rigid plastic, it can be displayed in compliance with ISO EN 7010 and the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations of 1996.
Part of the traffic control management range, this roll-up road sign is particularly suitable as a warning of temporary roadworks. Featuring a standard warning triangle, it can be attached to a standing tripod to warn workers and the general public.
Made to fulfil the dual purpose of indicating a confined space and highlighting the need to use fall arrest equipment, this sign also complies with ISO EN 7010 and Safety Signs and Signals Regulations of 1996. Recommended as a warning in substantially enclosed areas such as silos, vessels, and vats, it should serve as a reminder of restricted access for authorised and trained personnel.
Such personnel should use fall arrest equipment, such as:
- Safety harnesses
- Anchors
- Lifelines
- Fall arrest blocks
Part of the hazard warning safety range, this standard warning sign highlights the danger of falling from quarry edges, loading bays, construction excavations, and heights. It could be placed together with signage reminding workers and site visitors of the need to wear head protection and body protection.
What Other Working at Height Safety Signs Are There?
Label Source also supplies signs highlighting the need to:
Along with other recommended safety precautions, the placement of these signs can effectively minimise the risk of falls from height. Whether you’re an employer or have designated responsibility for work at height, you have a legal responsibility to take such measures. In doing, so you can go some way to prevent people from the same fate as George Gilbey.
So, take a look at the Label Source range of work at height signage and our work at height guide, and give us a call on 0800 3761 693 if you’d like to arrange the supply of bespoke/custom products.
