According to an analysis carried out by Inail, there was a decrease in the number of fatal accidents caused by falls from height between 2005 and 2014.
Despite this improvement, however, numerous deaths still occur on construction sites. The sector most affected is the construction industry, which accounts for more than 65% of all accidents and 52.4% of all falls from heights.
Let us recall what is meant by working at height.
An analysis of the Infor.MO data confirms that the problem of working at height, i.e. from a height of more than two metres above a stable surface, is unfortunately still a topical issue.
The Surveillance System has in fact recorded that deaths from falls from heights account for around a third of fatal accidents in the workplace and that in around 30% of cases, the fall occurred from roofs or covers in general. But that’s not all! 28.6 % of falls are caused by failure to use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), which is not given to the worker by the company. And a good 20% of falls are unsafe due to the absence of anchorage points for lifelines, guardrails and protection at heights.
Prevention is better than cure.
Any company that exposes its employees to the risk of a fall from height has a duty to make all workers safe, starting with the choice of suitable and adequate work equipment to create safe working conditions, regardless of the specific nature of the accident.
To prevent and reduce these unpleasant situations, it is necessary to use PPE (Collective Protection Devices) such as anti-fall nets, placed under the roof. If it is not possible to use these systems, then PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is used to prevent falls, which may be:
Body harness;
connector:
lanyard;
retractable devices;
flexible guides or lifelines;
guides or rigid lifelines;
anchorage device
However, the latter must comply with the requirements described in Article 76 of Legislative Decree 81/2008, which contains all the rules on safety in the workplace.
Beware of consequences!
Imagine that you are an employee of a construction company and you are asked to climb on a roof without any kind of protection. During the work you fall and are seriously injured. According to the law governing worker safety, you or the person involved in the accident have every right to file a complaint for the offence of personal injury and to be compensated for the damage.
The company itself is liable for failing to take the necessary accident prevention precautions and this constitutes a criminal offence. In fact, the company itself can be considered ‘guilty’ even though it is not a natural person.
Not to mention the employer. He has the obligation, enshrined in Article 2087 of the Civil Code, to protect the physical integrity and moral personality of his employees. If all this is lacking, an offence is automatically committed.
The employer will be held criminally liable to the extent of being accused of manslaughter if the employee dies, even after a period of time, as a result of the accident or illness, or of culpable injury if the employee suffers a temporary or permanent disability in body or mind.
We make everyone safe.
It is a constant mission for us at Spider Linee Vita to make companies aware of this topic, because we must never underestimate the safety and health of our workers.
We are always available for anyone who needs us!
If what you are looking for is a consultancy or training and updating courses, do not hesitate to contact us at the number 0363 938 882 or write to us at progettazione@lineevita.it
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
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