The majority of us are lucky enough to work in safe and comfortable environments, and we often forget how dangerous workplaces of the past could be. Health and safety legislation of the last 100 years has been critical in making workplaces safer – helping to significantly reduce the number of at-work fatalities and injuries.
The way we work has changed dramatically over the last few months as we all adjust to the ‘new normal’ in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Many businesses, regardless of their size have been impacted by the unprecedented steps that government and industry have been required to take to keep the public and their employees safe. Although on a much-reduced scale, MRS has continued to operate to provide safety critical training and specialist rescue services, to ensure that the industries that had to work, were supported in ‘keeping people safe.’
Any work which takes place on a roof, is working at height – and in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 – should be avoided, if possible. If roof work cannot be avoided, then it’s the responsibility of supervisors to ensure the activity is planned, organised, risk assessed, controlled, supervised and carried out with a safe system of work.
Christmas is just around the corner, and your workplace is likely festooned with trees, lights and decorations (all of which were put up using working at height practices, with electrical equipment PAT tested and wires safe and not causing any trip hazards.)
From 1st January 2020 a new training standard will be launched across the UK that has been designed for individuals engaged in working at height activities on mast and towers.
PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association) is the nationally recognised body for mobile access towers safety and training. It offers a range of courses run by accredited training centres and instructors, aimed at anyone engaged in the assembly, use, inspection and dismantling of towers.
Working at height is still the largest contributor to major injuries and fatalities to workers in the UK – across all industries.
Locals in Dinas Rhondda – refer to the MRS Training & Rescue centre in the village as the ‘Mines Rescue Station’. This is because, our training centre has been part of the community since 1912 – when it was opened by King George V and Queen Mary. In this article we’ll share the history of our Wales centre – and images from our archive.