Safe Working at Height Week takes place in November. The week aims to “bring together professionals from across the built environment, trade bodies, and government policymakers, to highlight the key issues surrounding both current practice and future developments in safe working at height.”
The nature of scaffolding and roofing means that working at height safely is a very important priority for us here at Embassy Site Services. Unfortunately, falls from height remain the leading cause of injury and death in the workplace, therefore it is paramount that the regulations are enforced at every level.
To reduce the risks faced by millions of workers, the HSE and the UK government introduced The Work at Height Regulations (WAHR) 2005, a set of rules that govern how work at height is conducted. These are some of the most important regulations the scaffolding and roofing industries have, however earlier in the year, the government had plans to scrap them. Luckily, after a strong, cross-industry fight back, the plan to scrap them was reversed.
Why are the regulations so important?
The WAHR prioritises the implementation of effective measures to prevent falls from height. By following these regulations, employers and workers can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries and deaths.
The legal basis for safety standards in working at height activities is formed by these regulations. Employers must comply with these regulations to ensure they are fulfilling their legal obligations and protecting their employees from harm.
They also emphasise the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments to identify and prioritise potential fall hazards. They also detail the prioritisation of collective protection measures like guard rails, scaffolding, or fall arrest systems. Additionally, they mandate the provision and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including helmets, harnesses, and footwear.
Ongoing training for working at height
Another crucial area the WAHR emphasises is the importance of providing workers with comprehensive training on safe working at height practices and procedures.
Training should be tailored to the specific work-at-height tasks that workers are expected to perform, taking into account:
- The type of work
- The equipment used
- Any potential hazards involved
It is also important that the training is regularly refreshed and employees are constantly up to date with any changes that will affect their work.
Here at Embassy Site Services, each team member’s training needs are reviewed at recruitment and then formally on an annual basis. Overall training needs are also identified on an ongoing basis (whether that be through risk assessments, accident investigations, site inspections or audits), in light of changes in legislation, and in line with the introduction of new equipment or technology.
Find out more about our health and safety policies here, or if you would like to join our team, find out more about our Academy.
What was your journey to the UK like?
Denis: “I came here 6 years ago from Lithuania. I was already boxing at the time but in order to elevate my level my friend said let’s move over to London. On the same day, I bought the tickets and flew over. At the gym, I met my coach, Dave, and ever since then we have been working together.”
How old were you when you realised that you wanted to turn pro?
Denis: “Once I started boxing, I just loved the sport. I said to my parents that I wanted to be a professional boxer, and they didn’t want me to do that. They preferred that I study or find a job.”
“Up until that point, a lot of people had been underrating me and I knew I had the passion so I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it”
When did you know you wanted to start coaching?
Dave: “I was always attracted to coaching, even when I was boxing myself, I was always studying different boxers from that period. Although I didn’t realise it at the time, coaching was always what I was more attracted to!”
What were your first impressions of Denis as a fighter?
Dave: “Straight away I was impressed with his work ethic. He always wanted to work and always wanted to learn. Even though he couldn’t speak the language at the time, we were demonstrating and he was picking it up. He was on it straight away.”
With Embassy’s sponsorship, what can you do that you wouldn’t be able to do without it?
Denis: “Basically everything! They are the only sponsors who have been there from the very beginning of my journey until now. Right from my first fight, Embassy has been supporting me with promotion and gathering support for my fights, as my family are not in London, I didn’t have anyone to sell the tickets to!”
“I will always be thankful to Embassy as without them I would not be here!”
What goes through a fighter’s mind when you’re building up to, at this point, the biggest fight of your career?
Denis: “So far, I’m just enjoying it. It’s the English title and I’ve got to celebrate the opportunity. I’m training and ready to go!”
“Even now my mom pushing me, she always says to look after my weight, and keep training. She and my Dad have been a massive part of my journey and they have helped me a lot. That’s why I’m trying to pay them back!
Denis went on to win via Unanimous Decision and is taking a well-deserved break before he begins training for his next challenge.
As a business, we know the importance of sponsorship to our community. Without corporate sponsorship, grassroots sports can struggle to make ends meet. This is why, here at Embassy, we are committed to supporting our local communities through sponsorship.
Many thanks to Denis and Dave for allowing us into the Braking Boxing gym to film and conduct this interview.