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Stained glass window safety soars to new heights at Canterbury Cathedral

On Tuesday, Canterbury Cathedral’s famous stained glass windows, some of which date back as early as the 12th century and depict stories of local people, were removed to allow them to be cleaned by staff to protect their valuable features. The staff are all trained to work safely at height.

The Cathedral is supporting the Health & Safety Executive’s ‘Shattered Lives’ campaign to show how simple health & safety steps can help reduce slips, trips and falls in the workplace.

“Excellent health & safety standards are critical in the running of any successful business and particularly when working at height," says Jim Morley, Head of Security and Health & Safety at Canterbury Cathedral. "We are delighted that Canterbury Cathedral is being recognised by the HSE as meeting the standards set for good health and safety at work.”

Canterbury City Council’s Director of Corporate Services, Jim McDonald agrees, saying: “The council takes its health & safety responsibilities seriously, and we’re proud of having an excellent record of accident prevention.

“However, there’s never any room for complacency, we determined to ensure that our standards adhere to best practice. That’s why we fully support the HSE’s ‘Shattered Lives’ campaign, which highlights accident avoidance."

Slip, trip and fall incidents in the workplace caused 37 major injuries to employees in the Canterbury District last year. These latest statistics also show that 59 people in the area had to take more than three days off work as a result of these accidents.

HSE estimates that the combined financial costs incurred by society as a whole from preventable slips, trips and falls is around £800 million a year.

Mike Walters, HSE Principal Inspector for Kent, says:

“These figures highlight the very real and serious nature of preventable slip, trip and fall incidents in the workplace. Slips, trips and falls might sound funny but they shatter the lives of thousands of British workers every year.

“These workers have shown that keeping safe at work doesn’t need to cost the earth and we are encouraging people to visit the Shattered Lives site, where they will be able to get simple and cost effective solutions to help manage slips, trips and falls hazards in their workplace.”

The Shattered Lives campaign involves raising awareness of the impact of slips, trips and falls in the workplace and directs people to the new website for practical advice and guidance.

www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives