ACCESS INDUSTRY FORUM RESPONDS TO H&S REVIEW

AIF calls for Lord Young to focus on training, competence and accreditation

The Access Industry Forum (AIF) comprises the nine leading trade associations and federations involved in working at height.

In response to the Lord Young review of health and safety legislation AIF calls for:

  1. Balance: a serious, informed and balanced review of the issues arising from the implementation of the existing legislation;
  2. Competence: a clear, unambiguous definition of the word ‘competence’ as used in the Work at Height Regulations;
  3. Training: a link between training and competency with all users of access equipment professionally trained to a recognised standard based on agreed work procedures; and
  4.  Accreditation: a formal system of accreditation whereby all users of access equipment must produce formal and independent proof of training.

The Forum goes on to say that whilst any review that speeds, simplifies and improves the effectiveness of legislation must be welcomed, it must not pamper to popular prejudices and myths and thus undermine its ability to save workers from death and injury.

Improvements possible without more regulation

Neil Tomlinson AIF Director commented:

“Since the introduction of the Work at Height Regulations significant progress has been made in increasing safe working whilst at height. However, improvements can be made that reduce accidents in a more effective manner without more regulation.”

The Forum formally acknowledges the AIF support for the work and role of HSE and the significant and measurable contribution HSE has made to reducing deaths, injuries and ill health in the workplace.

The Forum comprises the following organisations:

  • ATLAS The Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists
  • FASET Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training
  • IPAF International Powered Access Federation
  • IRATA Industrial Rope Access Trade Association
  • LA Ladder Association
  • NASC National Access & Scaffolding Confederation
  • PASMA Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ & Manufacturers’ Association (Access Towers)
  • SAEMA Specialist Access Engineering & Maintenance Association
  • WAHSA Work at Height Safety Association

This article was posted on 31st July 2010 in ALL LATEST NEWS, REGULATION, WORK AT HEIGHT.
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