Overreaching can cause tension and stress to the muscles in your back which is often agonising. The Working at Height Regulations provides standards for employers and employees to meet to ensure that they don’t overreach and cause an injury.
Where overreaching occurs
Overreaching is common when working on ladders as you can reach for something too far away. This causes stress and tension to the back muscles which can cause lasting damage. It can also occur on scaffolding or other moving platforms. If a user overreaches, he or she can fall and subsequently sustain more injuries than was necessary.
What employers must do
Employers must ensure that the work you do whilst working at height is properly planned, properly supervised and carried out safely where reasonably practicable.
You must have been trained to work at heights and be supervised by someone who has also been trained to supervise if necessary.
Employers need to select the equipment you use carefully and check that it is fit for use and the need for a timely evacuation in an emergency.
What employees must do
It is your duty as an employee to use equipment in accordance with the training which you have been given and comply with instructions respecting the use of the equipment.
Using ladders at work
It is common for people to overreach on ladders. Using ladders at work is not banned, but employers must make sure they have been assessed, rests on stable and firm surfaces, remain horizontal and positioned to ensure its stability during use.
What it is recommended that employers do by the Health and Safety Executive
To ensure you are working safely, keep your naval inside the stiles of the ladders at all times and keep both feet on the same rung of the ladder while working. You should keep three points of contact with the ladder and your body centred. This means that you will not be tempted to reach slightly further and injure yourself.
In some cases employers have not taken adequate steps to protect your safety. If you have an overreaching injury and believe your employer is to blame, call The Injury Lawyers today!
References: http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladders.htm
