The IRATA Chairman and Secretary were invited to attend the inaugural ‘All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Working at Height’, held at 1 Parliament Street, Palace Of Westminster, Houses Of Parliament, Tuesday 12th December 2017.

Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, chaired the event and commented:
“I was delighted to chair the inaugural meeting of the APPG for Working at Height. I am sure you agree it is unacceptable that in 2016-17, 18% of people killed at work, died as a result of a fall from height. After extensive research, myself and the fellow Officers of the APPG believe that there are a number of facets which need to urgently be addressed in order to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by such falls. These include the enhanced collection of statistics relating to workplace falls, more in depth investigations into the reasons for falls and better education regarding awareness about the dangers of working at height.

The purpose of the APPG meeting was to provide a forum for politicians and industry stakeholders to come together to investigate the reasons for falls from height. Based on the evidence you provide, we hope to submit workable recommendations to the HSE and the Government to help bring about a reduction in the number of falls, and ensure everyone who works from height can return home safely from work.”

IRATA international will be responding to the following questions raised by the APPG and will continue to contribute to this noteworthy effort to help improve safety in the Working at Height sector.

APPG for Working at Height Questions

1. In your opinion, what are the primary reasons for falls, or falling objects, which cause serious injuries or fatalities when working at height?
2. Do you have any comments about the existing regulations for work at height, as set out in the Work at Height Regulations, 2005?
3. Are there specific measures you believe are necessary to prevent falls, or falling objects, from height which are not currently required by law?
4. What more can industry do to avoid falls from height, and share good practise?
5. What role should end users/customers have in ensuring safe work at height?
6. Would you support enhanced reporting of falls from height as a way of better understanding the causes and helping to reduce falls from height?
7. Do you believe the current definition of competence for working at height is appropriate?
8. Can you propose any innovative suggestions, particularly using digital technology, which could have a positive effect on reducing falls / falling objects from height?

Please write to [email protected] with your answers.

IRATA International