HSE prosecution highlights need for fall arrest equipment

The importance of fall arrest equipment in the workplace has been highlighted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following a recent prosecution.

A warning has been issued to companies everywhere after a Derbyshire manufacturing firm and its director were fined over injuries sustained by two teenage workers.

The teenagers were using a makeshift lifting platform designed by their employer to attach to a forklift truck, only for an accident to occur that resulted in a serious fall, inflicting long-term injuries on both staff members.

According to the HSE, this shows the importance of properly considering the potential consequences of any task carried out in the workplace.

Fiona Coffey, an inspector for the HSE, said: "The company should have considered if it was necessary to use a platform like this in the first place and if it was, used something that was legal and safe - this arrangement clearly was not."

Last week, the regulator published a document underlining the importance of ensuring that any scaffolding used by businesses is safe and properly erected.

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