HSE issues warning over falls from height

Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning in relation to falls from height.

Following an incident in October 2006, which resulted in the injury of an employee, the HSE has warned of its willingness to prosecute firms who do not correctly follow procedures for the effective management of the risks associated with working from height.

"I hope this prosecution makes it clear to employers that they need to properly manage the risks of working at height and that HSE will not hesitate to take action against those who fall short of the law in such a way," said Joanne Williams, an inspector with the HSE, an organisation established as a consequence of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Following the incident, a Norwich-based business was found to have breached Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, resulting in the imposition of a £5,000 fine, excluding costs.