Falls from height are the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury in the UK. On average there are around 70 fatalities and 4-5000 major injuries caused by falls during work at height each year.
So it came as no surprise when in April 2005 Parliament passed an act regulating work at height. The Work at Height Regulations (WAHR) affects everyone unless you are a private householder who cuts their own hedge. Employers, employees and the self-employed must ensure that work at height is properly planned, supervised and carried out in a safe manner.
If you employ a gardener to cut your hedge ensure you don’t fall foul of the law and provide a Henchman Hi Step. Available from Gardenlines, Henchman’s products meet WAHR requirements and reduce the likelihood of falls and injuries.
Ideal not just for tall hedges but also where access is restricted by flower or shrub borders, Henchman products include a number of features to make hedge cutting a safe job. Each and every platform and rung on a Henchman Hi Step is non-slip and by leaning on the guard rails positioned to the front and side you can cut across the top of your hedge with two free hands.
Each leg is individually adjustable to ensure stability even on a sloping surface and the flat self-levelling feet have a ribbed under-surface to enhance the grip on grass. Lightweight, easily manoeuvred and flat folding for easy storage, Henchman Hi Steps are the safe alternative to ladders. To learn more about WAHR go to www.hse.gov.uk
It shouldn’t just be the threat of prosecution that causes you to cut safely. Avoid potential hazards by following a few simple steps when operating with hedge cutters. Keep all people and animals away from the area you're working in and hold the hedge cutter firmly with both hands. If you do need to remove any jammed cuttings ensure the machine is switched off before attempting to do so. Avoid operating during wet weather and don’t wear loose fitting clothes but do keep any power cable well away from the cutting area and wear safety goggles.
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