Man up to working at height

Low self-esteem and a hankering that the world 'just didn't get us' used to top our list of character flaws. Now, our focus on the Working at Height (WAH) Regulations (p42) shows UK manufacturers have something new to mull over at the next therapy session. We could be suffering a chronic case of machismo. Too much time in typically male-dominated environments has sent testosterone soaring to levels that rival the locker room scene in Top Gun. The macho trait doesn't mix well with health and safety. The fall out starts at the top. Many managers just don't seem to get WAH. The Lofstedt report noted that only a very small number could correctly define what the regulations were, or how to comply with them. Almost eight years after they launched and WAH might as well have been written in Mandarin. The sensible thing to do – and it should have been done a long time ago – would be to put up a hand and ask HSE for help. However, in true alpha male style, some believe seeking assistance is something for sissies. So they soldier on, becoming increasingly bemused by 19 pages of regulatory clauses. Bewilderment is masked by bravado. But bravado can't stop frustration and anger seeping through. WAH is top of the management meeting whinge list. Outside, on the shopfloor, operators crack gags about filling in risk assessments before risking broken bones by mounting machines without a harness. We have to stop making a mountain out of a molehill. Plan a task, supervise it, check safety and make any improvements: the regulations could double for Deming's PDCA cycle. WAH calls for the kind of diligence that underpins any thriving manufacturing business. Adding a guard rail here and a platform there could actually speed your processes and boost productivity. Asking your shopfloor team to lead the project could engender empowerment, trust and boost morale. On the positive side, being a bit macho can become our biggest strength. Channel that competitive streak into being the line with the best safety record, or compliment your operators on their correct use of safety kit. And finally don't be too proud to accept some help. Man up and take a look at p42 to test your understanding of WAH.