Health & safety bulletin
Serious Injury From Fall
27th November 2008
Xmo Strata would like to thank the Global Alliance for sharing the below safety alert and keeping us informed of its new procedures for working on canopies.
From: Martin Rackley - Global Alliance HSSE Manager
Date: 11.11.08
One of our approved contractors recently sustained a broken pelvis and hand when he fell through a canopy roof while attempting a repair on another client's site. The investigation is still ongoing but one of the major factors was that the safety lanyard was not attached at the time.
Following this incident we have reviewed our policy for working on canopies:
- Repair / maintenance works should always be conducted from underneath via MEWPs or towers. Method statements and clearance certificates need to be completed on site.
- If the above is not practical, contractors must first get approval from their GA Project Manager and submit a detailed method statement including possible fixing points for safety lines / netting / edge protection. We may also want to be present during the works.
- Ladder access to canopy roofs is prohibited. Mobile towers or MEWPs must be used, even for inspection purposes.
- Inspection of canopy roof tops should always be via MEWPs. Where this is not practical, a full body harness must be attached to a safety line BEFORE access onto the top side. If purpose made running lines or anchor points are not available this could require removal of facia panels and securing a line to structural steel members. This must be detailed in the method statement and prior agreed with your GA Project Manager.