WernerCo and the No Falls Foundation are working together to set the gold standard in work at height safety.
WernerCo was recently announced as the first Gold Sponsor of work at height safety charity the No Falls Foundation. In an exclusive interview for Professional Builder, WernerCo’s Managing Director Justin White meets the foundation’s Chair of Trustees, Peter Bennett OBE, to discuss the benefits of the partnership and how working together can reduce falls from height.
Peter Bennett, OBE – Falls from height remain the biggest cause of workplace accidents and fatalities, what do you think manufacturers can do in the fight against preventing falls from height?
Justin White – “Within the industry, reputable manufacturers are producing high quality products that meet all of the existing standards and, when you look at falls from height statistics, they often occur due to bad planning or user error. However, more can be done to educate the end user, through training, clearer instruction manuals and product recommendations, for example.
“With this in mind, we are launching a Ladder Safety Campaign in 2022, which will be directed at the end user, including a series of guides to encourage safe work at height practice.”
We were delighted to have WernerCo on board as our first Gold Sponsor. What do you see are the benefits manufacturers can achieve from sponsorships of foundations such as the No Falls Foundation?
“Relationships such as these provide manufacturers, such as ourselves, with a way to fulfil a genuine desire to reduce falls from height. It gives us a chance to be at the forefront when it comes to undertaking research, raising awareness and generally sharing ideas with the foundation and engaging in dialogue to work together to see what more can be done in the bid to try and prevent falls.”
We’ve discussed the dangers that occur from working at height for many years and yet the figures around accidents in the workplace rarely change. What do you think are the biggest challenges in overcoming falls from height?
“Education is a very real issue when it comes to overcoming falls from height. The regulations are very clear that anyone who works at height must be ‘competent’ to do so. However, there is a widespread perception that ladders are so simple to use, so why would you need training? It is this complacency that leads to falls from height incidents and a mindset that needs to be changed.
“There has been a steady increase in the uptake of training, but nowhere near enough with the number of people using working at height equipment on a daily basis. Training has to be a priority if we’re to see any positive change to the accident figures.
“End users also need to ensure that the equipment they choose is fit for purpose by undertaking inspections before every use and making sure it meets all safety standards, but also in terms of making sure that they have chosen the right equipment for the job they’re about to undertake.”
You joined the company nearly three years ago and since taking over as MD have you seen a shift in how companies view falls from height?
“Falls from height has been the number one cause of fatalities in the working environment for decades. I think that on the whole it has always been taken seriously by construction companies but falls from height remain worryingly and stubbornly high every year.”
“Education and awareness have a big part to play when it comes to trying to reduce falls from height. Companies need to start thinking about the bigger picture. It’s all well and good ensuring the end-users are trained in working at height equipment but there also has to be good planning and management on every job as well. Time pressure and workload expectations mean that sometimes corners are cut, and this is when accidents happen – which can be prevented.”
What steps has WernerCo taken to improve work at height safety?
WernerCo has recently expanded its training offering with the introduction of a new Training Manager. Safety when working at height is our main priority, which is why we offer accredited training courses at our facilities. We also provide a wide range of on-site training to customers and end users across the industry, including ladder, tower and equipment inspections, advice and best practice while using WernerCo products.
“We undertake a wide range of marketing activities to promote best practice when working at height and we are proud to work closely with PASMA and the Ladder Association, keeping up to date with standards and regulations.”
The No Falls Foundation has some exciting plans over the next couple of years but what are your hopes for the future working relationship between WernerCo and NFF?
“I think that it’s an exciting time to be involved with an organisation such as the No Falls Foundation. Change is starting to happen surrounding working at height and we’re glad to have a place at the table – being able to listen and learn from the conversations taking place and hopefully shaping a better future.
“We’re also optimistic that we’re setting an example for other manufacturers to get involved and support the foundation in what it’s trying to achieve.”
It’s been a tough couple of years for us all so what are your hopes for the future of the industry?
“The end goal is to ultimately reduce working at height accidents. Construction is at an all-time high and skills shortages remain an issue. The hope is that while they plug that gap, there is a huge focus on training from the ground up with a bid to promote best practice from the very beginning.
“An exciting change for next year will be the launch of the No Falls Foundation’s ‘The No Falls Charter’ – a way for organisations who are involved somehow with working at height to commit to taking it seriously and ensure they’re doing everything they can to prevent falls from height. Involving the whole stakeholder chain – from design straight through to the end users.
“Reducing work at height accidents is the ultimate goal and we’re hopeful that initiatives such as these will be the catalyst to making the change needed.”
For more information on WernerCo visit www.wernerco.com/uk
To learn more about the No Falls Foundation visit www.nofallsfoundation.org
