New Report on Preventing Serious Injury and Fatalities While Working at Height
An All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has recently published an inquiry report calling on industry and the Government to undertake a review of risks associated with working at height. The report has been published following a 12-month inquiry carried out by the All-Party Parliamentary Group, and highlights what steps can be taken to prevent working at height incidents from occurring.
Crucially, the inquiry finds that effective reporting systems are indispensable in capturing the reasons that workplace injuries occur, and for providing insight into how to prevent future incidents. The role of digital technologies and effective reporting systems in improving the planning and reporting of incidents is something that the APPG still feels has not been fully exploited. Moreover, the report cites that ‘lack of planning during all stages of a project is a significant cause of falls from height’.
The inquiry has received in the region of 60 responses, most of which support the principle that the Work at Height Regulations 2005 is broadly fit-for-purpose. However, of key importance is that the interpretation and application of the legislation is varied.
The report recommends enhanced reporting through RIDDOR, as well as a new scheme to be adopted across the UK in line with Scotland’s Fatal Accident Inquiry Process. Additionally, the APPG calls for further progress to be made in both systematic and cultural change, and has asked for a further period of consultation. This will include the development of a new digital technology strategy which will incorporate a new tax relief for small, micro and sole traders, to enable them to invest in new technology.
To view a full copy of this report, please click here.
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