'Clunk Click' Hits The Access World

A worldwide campaign to encourage all users of boom type platforms to wear a full body harness with a short lanyard is being launched. The campaign was started in the UK by the Powered Access Interest Group (PAIG), a joint committee of the Construction Plant–hire Association and IPAF. PAIG specifically called on the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE), manufacturers, rental companies and main contractors to support this campaign to save lives.

“The PAIG initiative came from companies frustrated with the fact that people are dying because they are not following the simple advice in IPAF's technical guidance note H1,” said Tim Whiteman, IPAF managing director.

HSE Chief Inspector of Construction Stephen Williams, in a letter to IPAF of 25 January, confirmed the HSE's support for any initiative that promotes the safe use of MEWPs. John Bradshaw of the Major Contractors Group wrote that MCG members welcome the campaign and will continue to demand equivalent standards on their sites.

Over 12000 Clunk Click posters, sponsored by hire companies, have been printed. A set of three different sized stickers for boom lifts has been designed. IPAF has printed enough small stickers for every boom in the UK and is making these available free of charge.

Sticker sets at a subsidised price of 19p can be ordered from Atlantic Coast Studios on +44 (0)1271 374209. Companies who wish to print their own versions can obtain artwork from IPAF. Different versions of Clunk Click will be launched, including the German “Click Clack” and the North American “Click It”.