SAEMA, as provider of the best training and guidance in the temporary and permanent suspended access industry, aims to reduce accidents when working at height on construction sites.
The SAEMA technical committee meets several times during the year and produces various guidance notes to help its members with all aspects of their business. It also gives guidance to Architects, Consultants, Insurance Inspectors, Facilities Managers etc on what SAEMA recommends as best practice.
Earlier this year it was reported on the Construction Health & Safety Group (CHSG) website that an 84% increase in working at height breaches on construction sites had been recorded during the first quarter of this year.
Between 1st January and 31st March this year, 4,300 independent site inspections were conducted and from these site inspections. The Building Safety Group (BSG) found an 84% rise in working at height breaches. Since working at height is the biggest danger for construction workers, this new data is a huge cause for concern.
Last year, HSE revealed, in their Construction Statistics for Great Britain 2020, that 47% of construction accidents were falls from height. This is almost half of all accidents.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 requires employers and those in control of any work at height activity to make sure that work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. Being competent refers to having sufficient skills, knowledge and experience to perform the task, or, if you are being trained, that you work under the supervision of somebody competent to do it.
SAEMA produces a wealth of guidance, specifically on building access methods including rope access and permanently installed suspended access equipment. It is completely free to access – we simply ask that you leave your contact details.
You can also refer to HSE’s Working at Height: A Brief Guide.