It was reported in The Guardian this week that in 2018 there were 5,250 fatal work injuries in the US alone, with falls a leading cause of death.
There are two different categories for fatal falls: falls on the same level, such as slips or trips, and falls to a lower level. Both increased in 2017, with the majority, 713 fatalities, a result of workers falling to a lower level. In 2018, the latest year data is available, fatal falls decreased to 791, though overall workplace fatalities increased from the prior year to 5,250.
While the US consistently outpaces other industrialised nations in workplace fatalities, the statistics are a stark reminder to other countries of the vital importance of safety measures, which should never be compromised.
Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) delivers a full complement of specialist services to its 20,000 customers, many of which are carried out at height. Since starting out in 2007, the Group has always taken a strict approach to safety. It was one of the first organisations of its kind to instigate a full-time Health, Safety and Environment department.
Director of Health and Safety Terry Wilcock said: “A fall at work, even from a low height, can pose a risk of severe injury and shouldn’t be underestimated. The philosophy of PTSG is that accident situations do exist and constitute a real or potential loss in terms of human suffering and financial impact to the individual, his or her family and the company.
“That’s why all our engineers and operatives receive rigorous training in health and safety measures and never compromise the safety of anyone on site.”
