Working at Height launch inquiry
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December 19, 2017
The newly formed APPG for Working at Height, chaired by Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss and supported by PASMA, launched its first inquiry into the numbers of serious injuries and fatalities which occur as a result of a fall from height.
Over 30 industry stakeholders attended the launch on the 12th December, and along with MPs Kevin Foster and Alison Thewliss, took part in a wide-ranging discussion about the key issues and the scope for the inquiry.
The inquiry will be open for evidence submissions from interested stakeholders until February 6th 2018. The APPG will consider evidence and develop a report and recommendations on how the frequency of serious injuries and fatalities can be reduced.
In 2016/2017, 18% of those who died at work were killed as a result of a fall from height. PASMA, and the Access Industry Forum, believes that there are a number of issues that should be addressed urgently to reduce these figures. These include better collection of statistics relating to workplace falls, more in-depth investigations and raising awareness of the dangers of working at height.
Alison Thewliss, chair of the APPG for Working at Height said: “That 18% of people killed at work did so as a result of a fall from height is a shocking statistic. The APPG for Working at Height has brought together concerned MPs from several parties to investigate the reasons for falls from height and ensure current regulations are sufficient for protecting workers at height in the UK.”
