Height Safety

FACT SHEET
When working at a height, safety is of vital importance. The installation of SAFETOR Roof Anchors can be the answer to Height Safety.

Over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of deaths and serious injuries in New Zealand due to falling from height. The death rate has varied from 10 - 14 deaths each year in recent years. The statistics for construction industry deaths from falls show that the incidents of death from falls are not decreasing but are in fact generally increasing.

For the 12 months to July 2002 there were 9 deaths due to falling from height in the construction industry. The figures available do not provide the numbers of deaths for service industries where falls from height have been the contributing factor.

In 1997, statistics from the Auckland Spinal Unit showed that one person each month became dependant on a wheelchair for life, due to injuries sustained in falls.

There are many people involved in the design and construction of buildings. Whether these buildings are the humble home, the industrial warehouse or the multi-story office block, they all involve people working at height. Unfortunately, many of those involved in design and construction, do not understand the problems faced by those working at height.

Many of these people do not fully understand the importance and value of having something permanent on the roof for the anchoring of safety lines to prevent falling. Nobody means to fall, but when they do, the one permanent thing is that they end up in one of three categories

1. With bad health that will get worse later in life.
2. In a wheelchair for the rest of their life
3. In a coffin.

The average age group for people at risk while working at height is 20 to 30 years old. Most of these people wilt be just starting in life as a Husband, Home Owner or Parent. At the moment the odds are high that many of these people will suffer a fall and end up in one of these categories.

Nick worked in the roofing industry for 25 years, but in 1997 had to give up what he enjoyed because of the ongoing and worsening health problems resulting from the falls he suffered. Nick is a Category I statistic.

There are many causes for people falling from height. The most common cause is slipping due to Ice, Wet Surfaces, Dust, Oxidation and Stumbling. While there are many causes there is only one reason... not being secured to a permanent attachment point to prevent the fall.

Unfortunately many designers and builders fail to think beyond the construction phase of a building to the maintenance requirements during the lifetime of a building. It is this failure that increases the probability of people falling from buildings.

In many areas New Zealand is a leader in technology and has been a testing ground for many products in the past. When it comes to safety, we fall short of world standards. This is particularly evident in the area of height safety.

The most important thing to remember is that our actions can benefit people and our inaction can have a disastrous impact on other peoples lives when working at height.


SAFETOR Roof Anchors - Safety Anchors For Every Type Of Roof