There’s an old saying that if you think safety is expensive, try having an accident…
Many organisations still see safety as a burden on business. It might be seen as something which is too complicated, or perhaps too burdensome or onerous.
The “it’ll never happen to me” attitude is prevalent in organisations, both large and small. Many reckon that just because they haven’t had an accident, they must be getting it right. Many only realise that’s not necessarily the case, until something goes wrong and someone gets injured.
There is a specific law which governs working at height, The Work at Height Regulations 2005. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent death and injury caused by a fall from height. If you are an employer or you control work at height (for example facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height) the Regulations apply to you.
So what does this mean? Simple, if you employ someone who works at height or control work at height then you must make yourself aware of this law and you must ensure that it is followed.
Falls account for more deaths and serious injuries in construction than anything else. Roofers account for 24% - the biggest category of worker by far – of those people who are killed in all falls from height.
Working on a roof can be dangerous. Any fall from a roof inevitably involves in at least a serious injury. Some have been killed who are only meant to be on the roof for a few minutes ‘to have a quick look’ or to carry out a small repair. Remember, accidents don’t just happen to those building roofs, but also to people maintaining, cleaning and inspecting them.
Roof edge protection will be required during most work on flat roofs. Any protection should be strong enough to withstand people and materials falling against it.
Kite are able to carry out free professional site surveys, providing you with a report which includes photographs, drawings and costing to help you comply with current safety legislation and to decide the best solution for your specific requirements.
All of Kite’s products are manufactured for your safety and when installed following approved guidelines, Kite Freestanding Roof Edge Protection System meets the requirements of:
■ BS 13700-2021
■ BS 6180-2011
■ BS EN 13374:2004
■ BS 4592-0:2006+A1:2012
■ BS EN ISO 14122-3:2001+A1:2010
■ UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007
Meeting the latest British Standards is not the only significant point the system has, the recycled plastic weights which bring green credits to projects is a main feature as well. By using these weights, your project will help reduce carbon footprint and the need for harvesting raw materials, saves energy, reduces greenhouse gases and prevents pollution.
These benefits will be added to cutting your safety cost compared to other types of counterweights available in the market.
To reflect the economic benefits further, Kite have tested the system in accredited British testing house for 3 metre span centres and the system passed successfully. This will also help your project save more especially if applied on the long run.
Here at Kite Group Ltd, we are happy to help assess the required safety systems your site needs. Either by phone, email or visiting your site, let’s share success stories with others.
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