26 October 2010
A Campaign is being launched to reduce the number of incidents that occur with lifting equipment in Eastbourne. National Health and Safety Executive figures show 266 people have been injured in "elevator accidents" across the country since 2002, and four people were killed.
Recent high profile industry accidents have prompted the Council to embark on a proactive campaign to assist owners in avoiding accidents before they occur.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for the Environment Councillor Steve Wallis says, “Accidents of this type in the Eastbourne area are quite low and the Environmental Health department are keen to keep it that way following a number of recent high profile accidents being reported in the media around the UK. This campaign highlights an important message - that lifting equipment used at work must be maintained by the lift owner. Lifts must be examined and tested by a "competent" person.”
The team have the support of the industry trade association and are keen to promote awareness of the laws associated with periodic thorough examination of lifting equipment. Periodic thorough examinations required by Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) are essential to reducing the risk of accidents and are the lifting industry equivalent to an MOT for a motor vehicle and must be carried out in addition to the routine maintenance servicing.
In 2008 Eastbourne Borough Council held a safety seminar for hotel and residential care home owners in the town which included a presentation on lift safety by local expert David Cooper of LECS (UK) Ltd. David has led numerous accident enquiries with lift equipment in his 30 years in the industry including a number of fatal accident enquiries and is assisting the council with this initiative.
