HSE Construction Division - Working at Height Safety Alert

Critical Safety Alert: Edge Protection Failures

The HSE Construction Division has issued this urgent safety alert following a series of serious incidents involving temporary edge protection system failures across multiple construction sites.

Incident Summary:

Between August and September 2024, there have been 7 reported incidents involving temporary edge protection failures, resulting in 3 serious injuries and 1 fatality.

Common Failure Points:

• Inadequate anchoring systems in concrete structures
• Insufficient inspection frequencies
• Use of non-compliant materials
• Poor installation practices

Immediate Actions Required:

• Inspect all temporary edge protection systems immediately
• Verify competency of installation teams
• Review anchoring methods and materials
• Implement daily inspection procedures
• Report any defects or concerns immediately

Enhanced Safety Measures:

All edge protection systems must now be certified by a competent person and subject to daily visual inspections with weekly detailed inspections.