Following the success of the height safety toolbox talks created by the Access Industry Forum (AIF) and supported by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), a series of podcasts that provide expert insight into a range of specific work at height topics was launched in April 2022.
The first podcast of the series explored the role that RIDDOR data plays in gaining valuable insight for improvement. Based on the data collected, falls from ladders was identified to be a recurring issue within, not just house building, but across all industry. Therefore, the second podcast from the series dives into the reasons behind people falling from ladders, and what we can do to prevent them in our industry.
This ladder safety podcast was hosted by Nathan Preston, Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) at Gleeson Homes, and the guest speaker for the session was Gail Hounslea, Chair of the Ladder Association and Managing Director of Ladderstore.
Ladder Association Chairman, Gail, said, “The podcast highlights the main causes of ladder incidents – and one thing that comes up time and time again is training. Ladder training is much more than just how to climb a ladder. It looks at choosing the right equipment, safe use, how and when to inspect ladders, how to manage ladders on site – and more! I hope the podcast makes people think about the type of ladder training they’ve had, or their team on site have completed – and if they’re not trained, then they’ll now be in a position to understand the importance of training in reducing falls from height and make positive steps to remedy that.”
Nathan Preston, Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) at Gleeson Homes, said, “We have seen a decrease in incidents involving ladders which is positive news. However, as long as there still are incidents happening there is more to learn, which is why we put together toolbox talks and these podcasts.”
The podcasts are available to listen to within the HBF Health & Safety webpages – https://www.hbf.co.uk/policy/health-safety/shared-knowledge/
The work at height toolbox talks are also available within this section of the HBF website and can be used by organisations of any size at no cost. Toolbox talks include ladder safety, access platform decking and temporary edge protection systems.
Visit the HBF site to download the Toolbox Talks and listen to the podcasts >
