Thames Water Wholesale Wastewater Learning bulletin What can

Thames Water Wholesale Wastewater Learning bulletin What can I do differently? Full from height On 17 th June 2014, 9. 45 am at Avebury SPS (AVEB 1 ZZ), a contractor fell from a height of 1. 98 m whilst attempting to secure ladders to the roof rack. He landed on the ground and fractured his right elbow. Issue of shortfall (1. 3 m to 2 m) adjustable restraint lanyards and harnesses to all vehicles so that anyone working at height has access to this equipment at all times. Training delivered demonstrating how to wear and use the fall equipment. Causation factors The need for an individual to access the van roof in order to safely secure the ladders into position on the fitted roof racks. Failure to identify accessing the ladders as part of the risk assessment process of undertaking well cleaning. No defined procedure for safely accessing ladders whilst being secured at height although there is specific mention in all RAMS when accessing other plant and equipment that are higher than 2 m. Toolbox talk on safe steps to working at height The method for safely removing ladders has also been incorporated into the RAMS. Sleeve system with anchor rails that will be fitted to the van roofs. Every new van will be fitted with this system and over the course of the next 3 months, existing fleet will be recalled. No clear definition of “Working at height” and therefore the individual did not consider wearing any fall protection equipment to perform this task. The individual was standing on the roof and not kneeling in a secure base position that is regarded as the safest way. IP confirmed that in the past he had knelt down to perform this operation but on this occasion he was standing. Tony Ashford Learning from Incidents