Like our scaffolding systems, Burflex Scaffolding is founded on quality, integrity and consistency. Our head office is based in Hull, we also have contact offices in Sheffield and Leeds.
Businesses in the construction industry have a legal responsibility to make sure that any health and safety risks are managed effectively before people can work alone, which applies to anyone contracted to work for them, including those who are self-employed.
It’s essential that companies think about who will be involved in the work and what hazards are there that could cause harm to someone working by themselves. All lone workers must be properly trained, supervised and monitored, and it’s vital that you keep in touch with them throughout the day and respond to any incident appropriately.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) explains that lone workers face particular risks, including stress and mental health or wellbeing, violence in the workplace, the workplace itself (for example, if it’s rural or in an isolated area) and their own medical suitability to work by themselves.
There will always be some kinds of jobs, however, that require at least two people to complete, such as diving operations, fumigation, working in confined spaces and operating near exposed live electricity conductors.
Additional training may be necessary for lone workers because it’s likely to be harder for them to get help if they need it.
As such, they must understand the risks in their work and how best to control them. This is especially important where there is limited supervision in place to help in uncertain situations and it can also help employees cope in unexpected situations.
Levels of supervision should be based on risk assessments – and the higher the risk, the more supervision you should provide. It is advised to supervise new workers if they’re being trained, dealing with new situations or doing a job that comes with specific inherent risks.
As an employer, you need to know the steps required in order to manage risks in the workplace. These include identifying any hazards, assessing the risks, controlling the risks, recording your findings and reviewing the controls.
Consider how people work and how any equipment is used, as well as any chemicals and substances that may be required, the general state of your premises and the safe or unsafe work practices that exist. Reviewing your accident and ill health records can also be useful as they’ll help you to spot any less obvious hazards.
Lone workers themselves should note that they are also responsible for their own health and safety, as well as those who may potentially be harmed by your actions in the workplace. You will need to work with your employees and colleagues to help everyone meet their legal duties.
If you are worried about any health and safety risks as a lone worker, you are advised by the HSE to talk to your employer, a manager or supervisor, or a health and safety representative.
For help with scaffolding in Leeds, get in touch with the Burflex team today.
