The Parliamentary Working Party Report was published in 2019 following the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Working at Height (APPG) conducted inquiry with the aim of reducing the number of major incidents whilst working at height.

They concluded serious injuries and fatalities from falls at height are still too common, with 35 casualties this past year alone, along with many other serious injuries.

What is The Parliamentary Group on Working at Height?

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Working at Height (APPG WAH) is an independent and cross-party organization in the UK, dedicated to promoting and improving safety for those who must perform work at height.

Through research and engagement with stakeholders, the APPG WAH works to improve the management of risk associated with working at height and provides a forum for discussion on this important topic.

The APPG WAH has been instrumental in highlighting limitations within existing legislation that affect the safety of workers at height and influencing initiatives to address these issues.

The APPG WAH is also actively involved in raising awareness of issues surrounding working at height through open debates held in Parliament, regional events, and other forms of communication campaigns designed to reach across both public and private sectors.

In doing so, it works towards ensuring that all those involved with performing work at height are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to protecting themselves from injury or worse.

Parliamentary Working Party Report

Report Findings

In its Parliamentary Working Party Report, ‘Working At Height: A Call For Action’, published in 2019, the APPG WAH called for a comprehensive review of regulations relating to health & safety when working at height.

Their recommendations included strengthening enforcement of existing rules; making clearer guidance available to ensure greater compliance; and providing better access to training materials so employees can be properly informed about procedures when working in elevated locations.

Since the regulations introduced in 2005, the UK has consistently been among the countries with the lowest workplace fatalities in the EU (for comparison, UK had 0.55 per 100,000 employees to France’s 3.14). But unfortunately, 18% of these deaths are a result of falls from height.

Many recommendations are being set in place to drive this number down. This includes:

• A major review of working at height culture, such as the financial penalties, which can be used to raise awareness and training.
• The appointment of an independent body that allows reporting of all near misses and accidents.
• The rest of the UK adopts a system equivalent to Scotland’s Fatal Accident Inquiry process.

A lack of planning during all stages of a project and a lack of training are also significant causes of falls. Insufficient planning can manifest in a number of ways: inadequate information being provided leads to under-resourced quotes being provided and accepted, poor design considerations for construction and the resulting impact on working practices etc.

Alongside shortcomings in the technical and regulatory training currently being provided to managers, respondents also raised concerns about the lack of training in ‘soft skills’, such as how to communicate effectively, which leads to poor supervision and creates a potentially deadly environment.

The full Parliamentary Working Party Report is available to read here: https://workingatheight.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Staying-Alive-APPG-REPORT.pdf

Stayed Updated, Staying Compliant

Staying compliant with the All-Party Parliamentary Group’s Working at Height report is of utmost importance.

The report calls for a comprehensive review of existing regulations to ensure that employers are protecting their workers from injuries and worse, when working at height.

It emphasizes the need for clear guidance in both public and private sectors to ensure better compliance, as well as improved access to training materials.

Failing to meet these standards could end up having serious consequences for both employers and employees alike, making it essential for all involved parties to stay up-to-date on the latest requirements.

Working From Height Safely

When it comes to compliance and fall protection safety solutions, Highwire can provide industry-leading advice.

We are experts in their field, with extensive knowledge and experience in the design, installation, maintenance and management of fixed fall protection systems.

Whether you need help understanding the latest regulations or need assistance in selecting the most suitable safety solution for your business, Highwire is an excellent choice.

So if you’re looking for advice on compliance and fall protection safety solutions, get in touch with Highwire today!