Employees safety must come first in storm damage clear ups

Employers and workers must ensure safe conditions and correct training has been given before clearing up after the recent storms  - 16th March 2008

Recent stormy weather across the UK has left a trail of damage and destruction particularly to properties and trees.

Health and safety is paramount, and employers and landowners must ensure that people employed to help with the clear up are trained and competent in the tasks that they are required to carry out.

Fallen trees often require cutting up into manageable sized logs for removal. If an employer requires his employees to use tree cutting equipment they must ensure they are competent and trained in the use of that equipment. If an injury occurs from a lack of training the employer will be liable to prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the employee may be able to claim compensation following the injury at work.

Often during severe weather properties are damaged, particularly roofing and other high and exposed areas. Repair may be required quickly while the weather is still unsettled. It is essential that employers and workers assess the increased dangers in poor weather conditions and put off the repairs until it is safe to carry them out. Strong winds significantly increase the chances of accidents at work for those working outside, particularly from falls from height causing serious injury or worse still death.