WINCANTON: A set of industry guidelines on height-associated safety for building material delivery is available to merchants.

The Building Products Delivery Working Group (BPDWG), co-ordinated by transport company Wincanton, created the guidelines following an initiative that examined ways of eliminating or reducing the risks of working at height associated with the loading and unloading of building products such as bricks and blocks.

The working group looked at the equipment and methods available to haulage companies, along with their capacity and limitations so that drivers remain protected during the loading and unloading of vehicles.

The guidelines provide a demonstration of what equipment or methods can best suit a company's needs based on an assessment of risks to health and safety.

Ben Young, chairman of the Working Group and regional director for Wincanton, said: "The correct handling of equipment and the safe use of vehicles are paramount to many companies and the members of the BPDWG and we wanted to produce guidelines so that any haulage company can work in a safer environment."

Geoff Cox, head of the manufacturing sector for the Health and Safety Executive said: "The HSE welcomes the publication of this practical and helpful guidance from the BPDWG. The HSE is always keen to see industry taking ownership of its problems, and this is an excellent example of existing users pooling their experience of the products currently available for the benefit of others."