AIF shares work at height presentations
17 July 2012
The UK's AIF (Access Industry Forum) has made the presentations from this year's Knowledge Base seminars available on line. Although much of the subject matter has a UK bias, anyone involved with working at height, anywhere in the world will find the subject matter interesting and thought provoking.
The AIF Knowledge Base held in May at this year's Health & Safety Expo brought together a significant number of industry experts to provide a challenging, innovative and stimulating learning experience for anyone involved in work at height.
The presentations were filmed and you can now watch these presentations, discussions and debates free online by visiting www.accessindustryforum.org.uk/she_2012_knowledge_base.htm
Over the three days of the show, industry leaders, practitioners and commentators shared their expertise and voiced their opinions and views on a wide range of topical issues.
They included the impact of the new British Standard BS8560 for work at height, the implications of the Lofstedt Review and its recommendation to review the Work at Height Regulations by 2013, and the growth of the US-style claim culture in the UK.
The panel also revisited the 2011 ground breaking debate: 'On the trail of the Holy Grail: No more work at height accidents, ever!' The organisations taking part reaffirmed their commitment to sharing knowledge and exchanging views through closer collaboration and cooperation, and, in an industry first, agreed to collaboratively develop a pan-industry method for reporting incidents from height. You can watch the video and find out how.
Importantly, you can also have your say on all five of the discussion panels featured in the AIF Knowledge Base by using the comments section provided on the AIF website.
Speakers at this year's event included some new faces including Alison Fryatt, team leader at the Health and Wellbeing Directorate, Department of Work and Pensions (DWP); Paul Cook, team leader at the Health and Safety Executive; Julia Evans, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB); and Philip Grace from the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
Making a welcome return was motivational speaker Jason Anker, a victim himself of a fall from height. In an exclusive for the AIF Knowledge Base, Jason delivered his presentation in front of his parents for the very first time - 18 years after the accident first occurred. It proved to be an emotional experience for everyone present.
Asked about his ongoing involvement with the Forum, Jason said: "I get involved because I truly believe in what the AIF is trying to achieve and I am happy to do anything I can to help the cause."
AIF director, Neil Tomlinson said, "Protocol for height safety is developing at an ever increasing pace. 2012 has the added impact that a review of the Work at Height Regulations is underway by the Government. There has therefore never been a more urgent need to keep pace with the latest developments in best practice, and what issues still need to be tackled to reduce accidents in the workplace."
