Risk news

Canterbury Cathedral has demonstrated its commitment to reducing potential risks involved with working from height.

The building's famous stained glass windows - some of which date back to the 12th century - were removed in order to make it easier and safer for the staff charged with cleaning them.

Ahead of the removal of the delicate glass, the workers were first given training in how to work safely at height.

Jim Morley, the department head of security and health and safety at Canterbury Cathedral, expressed his satisfaction that these efforts have won the recognition of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

He added: "Excellent health and safety standards are critical in the running of any successful business and particularly when working at height."

HSE has estimated that the combined cost of incurred by the UK from preventable slips, trips and falls amounts to around £800 million per year.

It revealed that in Glasgow alone, there were 1,405 major injuries in 2008-09 as a result of incidents of this nature.

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