working at height

    Towers With Bridges 2 Credit Richard Chapman

    Are you checking PASMA cards properly?

    PASMA cards are a reliable way of checking operatives have been properly trained to correctly build and safely use mobile access towers, tower scaffolds and low level access equipment. However, it’s essential to carefully check things like the type of tower they are qualified on before allowing them to begin work on-site.

    By Don Aers, PASMA on 02 May 2025

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    A false dichotomy: safety regulation vs. economic prosperity

    In recent months, political leaders around the world have rallied behind an all too familiar battle cry: seeking to slash “red tape” and unlock promised profits, productivity, and potential. This pledge for regulatory reduction perpetuates a dangerous and false dichotomy - that safety regulations and economic prosperity exist only in opposition to one another. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 02 May 2025

    Ladder Association Image Min

    Ladder Association embarks on latest phase of market surveillance

    Research by the Ladder Association has repeatedly revealed serious concerns about the safety and quality of telescopic ladders sold in the UK via online marketplaces. Now, the Association is expanding its market surveillance, research and testing programme to cover ladders sold by physical stores, to both root out non-compliant ladders and identify those that are good quality and safe to use.

    By Peter Bennett OBE, Ladder Association on 01 May 2025

    4 Paulbw

    Work at height: never disregard the dangers

    I suffered devastating injuries in a totally preventable fall from height at work, and I’m passionate in encouraging all employers to do more to educate workers about the dangers of taking short-cuts with safety.

    By Paul Blanchard, Life After an Accident on 01 May 2025

    The SHE Show North East 2023 424 Min

    Holistically speaking: an interview with safety psychologist Dr Tim Marsh

    Safety psychologist, Dr Tim Marsh is a well-known figure on the international conference and events circuit, regularly giving talks on the importance of taking a holistic approach to health, safety and wellbeing.

    By Kerry Reals, British Safety Council on 01 April 2025

    Roofer Scaffolding HSE

    Roofer handed suspended sentence after worker fell from ladder

    A self-employed roofer has received a suspended prison sentence after a worker he employed fell from a ladder while carrying roof tiles.

    By Kerry Reals on 13 February 2025

    Steeple HSE

    Building firm with ‘outdated’ attitude to safety fined after steeplejack fell to his death while restoring church

    A construction company has been fined £60,000 after a worker fell to his death while carrying out restoration work on a 60-metre tall church steeple.

    By Kerry Reals on 21 January 2025

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    John Lewis fined £1.2m after warehouse worker fell from steps without handrails

    Retailer John Lewis has been fined £1.2 million after a warehouse worker fell from steps that did not have a handrail and suffered serious injuries.

    By Kerry Reals on 09 December 2024

    Balfour Beatty Crane HSE

    Balfour Beatty fined over Birmingham University scissor lift death

    Construction firm Balfour Beatty has been fined £285,000 after a worker fell and died when a scissor lift was knocked over by a crane during building works at the University of Birmingham.

    By Kerry Reals on 18 September 2024

    National Grid Pylon HSE

    National Grid fined £3.2 million after pylon worker receives 33,000-volt shock

    The National Grid has been fined £3.2 million after a worker suffered “life-changing” burns from a 33,000-volt shock while working on a pylon, to which the electricity had not been switched off.

    By Kerry Reals on 09 September 2024