Wilmott Dixon rolls out Harness On across sites

Leila Steed Editor, Demolition & Recycling International

20 November 2023

An operator inside the basket of a MEWP wearing the Harness On safety system

All 3b MEWPs working on the contractor’s sites are being fitted with the Harness ON system. (PHOTO: Wilmot Dixon)

United Kingdom-based construction company Wilmott Dixon has introduced Nationwide Platform’s new Harness On safety system for all MEWP operators working on its construction projects.

Harness On requires operators to wear a full body harness with a lanyard that connects to an intelligent anchor point within the MEWP’s basket.

In the event that the lanyard-anchor point connection is not correctly engaged, the system prevents the basket controls of the aerial platform from operating.

Wilmott Dixon has made the Harness on system a mandatory requirement. This means that only ‘3b’ MEWPs with the new system installed can operate on its projects.

Mark French, Wilmott Dixon’s Chief Health, Safety & Environment Officer, said, “I think we are the first Tier One contractor to mandate this system across our business and supply chain.

“Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our supply chain team on our construction sites is paramount and this is an excellent new way for those who use MEWPs to carry out their work.”

“Importantly, this device doesn’t affect any ground or emergency lowering controls.

Announcing the system’s roll-out, Wilmott Dixon stated, “Incidents involving MEWPs, mast climbing work platforms and hoists continue to occur on construction sites each year, with The IPAF Global Safety Report 2023 saying there were 759 reports in 2022 from 34 countries, which saw 831 people involved in incidents, resulting in 102 deaths.

“Falls from a mobile platform remain the most common cause of incidents resulting in major injury or death.”

It added: “The 2021 version of the same report said that of the 132 fatalities using MEWPs, mast climbing work platforms and hoists, 35 per cent involved not wearing a harness. In the ‘3b/1b’ MEWP categories, falls from height were responsible for over 55% of major or fatal injuries.”