The No Falls Foundation – the UK’s only charity devoted exclusively to the work at height sector – has launched a new initiative called ‘Be Safe, Don’t Fall, Stay Alive’.
Despite the pressures to kick-start the economy following the lockdown, the No Falls Foundation has stressed the importance of ensuring that height safety remains a top priority.
That includes those operating on or near major rail lines.
Peter Bennett, OBE, Chair of Trustees, said: “Falls from height are the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injuries. It’s therefore imperative that safety is not compromised for the sake of productivity.
“We have witnessed unprecedented collaboration and mobilisation of all the stakeholders in industry – government, regulators, employers, trade associations, trade unions and employees – to fundamentally change behaviours to try and ensure that COVID-19 does not wreak devastation in the workplace.
“Moving forward, we need to harness and build upon that collaboration and sense of common cause, and apply it to that commonplace, often unnoticed danger – working at height.”
As will all organisations that exist to keep workers in the construction and railway sectors safe, the No Falls Foundation is an important ally of FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training).
FASET is the established trade association and training body for the safety net rigging and temporary safety systems industry. The aim of the organisation is to eliminate fatalities within these sectors through dedicated training, and the sharing of expert quality guidance.
‘Be Safe, Don’t Fall, Stay Alive’ is actively supported by the Access Industry Forum (AIF) – for the principal trade associations and federations involved in work at height. Aside from FASET, other members of AIF include ATLAS, BSiF, EPF, IPAF, IRATA, Ladder Association, NASC, PASMA, SAEMA and WAHSA.
The sharing of best practice and knowledge is vital among organisations that support codes of good practice, equipment standards, training, education and knowledge.
As the manager of the No Falls Foundation, Hannah Williams, said: “We’re looking for people to share their personal stories in a series of case studies on the Foundation’s website – anonymously if necessary – for the benefit of others. If anyone would like to contribute to the work of the charity and help save lives by stopping falls, we would be delighted to hear from them.”
Tony Seddon, Managing Director FASET, said: “Working at height on or near the railways brings with it a series of potentially dangerous situations.
“With social distancing rightfully at the heart of working operations, we also can’t relax when it comes to the dangers of working at height.”
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