Safety experts have discovered some mast climbers, which rely on two independent motor drive units per mast as the means to prevent the platform falling with overspeed, are not fitted with suitable and sufficient controls to manage this risk.

The HSE said: “This means work platforms could fall from height where mechanical faults in drive units go undetected. If not rectified quickly, the fault could cause serious injury, or even death.”

Contractors are being urged to urgently check all mast climbers in use have adequate drive unit controls.

If not the machines must be withdrawn from use immediately for upgrading and further checks.

To read a full version of the safety alert click here.