Working at Heights: Mechanical failure in drive units leading to uncontrolled fall of platforms?

Philip Crosbie from law firm Eversheds Sutherland considers whether employers should be taking a gendered approach to managing stress and mental health. Taking a gendered approach to the management of any health and safety risk is relatively rare. Is the case made out that such an approach would work for stress and mental health?

Industry is alerted to a serious technical fault that HSE has found with mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) used widely across construction projects. These can be used in other industries for access and to maintain large plant.

Platforms could fall from height where mechanical faults in drive units go undetected. If not rectified quickly, the fault could cause serious injury, or even death.

This safety alert has information and advice on what to do if you supply, install, use, inspect, service, maintain or examine MCWPs for use at work.

Outline of the problem

MCWPs, also known as