Working at heights – free seminar

Wakefield Skillcentre continues to offer support for companies that need guidance about the implications of the Work at Height Regulations, by organising a free seminar on Tuesday 27 January 2009.

The half-day seminar, Working at Heights Explained, has been organised by Wakefield Skillcentre to provide companies, regardless of industry background, with up-to-date information on the duty of care needed to protect not only its employees, but also any person working at a company's premises or site.

In light of three recent high profile cases - where companies have been heavily fined, or directors sent to jail following fatal accidents involving employees working at heights - it is anticipated the seminar will serve as a stark reminder to companies that accidents can easily happen where staff lack the appropriate training, and risk assessments have not been carried out in the proper manner.

The seminar offers vital insights into the Health & Safety at Work Act, together with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Attendees will also learn about the need for risk assessments and receive valuable advice on choosing the appropriate method when working at heights, including the use of steps, ladders, tower scaffold and suspended work platforms.

John Green, Wakefield Skillcentre's managing director, explained: "What many companies fail to realise is that under the Work at Height Regulations, a height is defined as ‘any fall from distance when a person could sustain personal injury', which could therefore have implications for people working in almost every industry and in a wide range of work situations. Our seminar aims to provide companies with information which may help to prevent accidents happening when employees are working at height."

The seminar takes place at Wakefield Skillcentre's dedicated training facility and delegates have the choice of attending the morning session, from 9.30am to 12.30pm, or the afternoon session from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. For further information or to book one of the limited places available, companies should telephone Wakefield Skillcentre on 01924 375823.