The Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association or PASMA for short is a body that has been in existence since 1974. Its predominant work has been improving the safety for those working on scaffolds and towers in the construction and decorating industry. The importance of safety when working at height cannot be underestimated, ensuring all workers who use scaffolds have had PASMA training is a vital part of ensuring this safety. Currently a PASMA certificate is a vital element for all who work at height.

Since 2005 when the Work at Height regulations came into effect PASMA training has become even more important. The body have worked towards designing their training schedules around changes in legislation to ensure all regulatory compliance issues are settled effectively. By constantly adapting to changes, the association have secured their position at the forefront of health and safety matters pertaining to scaffold and access tower usage.

PASMA have worked closely with health and safety executives to devise codes of practise that ensure workers at height have efficient and effective protocols that work towards a safer environment. Training modules will normally broach the subjects of safe usage and ways to minimise the risks of falling. In addition, those who undergo training are made aware of the dangers that working at height can create. Because of the association’s work, they are consulted when the government releases new pieces of legislation.

PASMA do not purely conduct training courses. Association members regularly audit and evaluate how safety procedures are being maintained whilst also looking into new developments in the world of scaffolding. This is one of the most important tasks carried out by PASMA, by having a presence in working areas they are able to pick up on any issues that could be incorporated into the codes of practise.

With so many industries using scaffolding and towers this element of the association’s work is essential to maintaining safety. For instance, guidelines in one industry may not necessarily suit another; by having operatives on the ground who can pick up on these differences it is possible to create bespoke training modules suited to any particular industry. In addition, by having a network of affiliated members, PASMA is able to reach the widest audience possible to deliver its safety message.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 have meant that at all times it is essential that a competent person is on site to ensure procedures are being followed and unsafe working methods are being avoided. This competent person has always had extensive training and will be certificated by the association; this means that there is always a knowledgeable person who can give workers instruction to maintain safety. Fundamentally the competent person must be present at the times when scaffolding rigs are constructed, altered or dismantled. These times normally hold the greatest risk so understandably the legislation ensures that the tasks are carried out safely.

As liability is now a major concern of all site managers the situation created by the increased regulation has cleared up discrepancies with working methods. PASMA have helped in this process and today, as a site manager it is your duty to ensure all workers have had suitable training. Naturally accidents will always happen when working with scaffolds, thanks to the work of the association however the instances of injury of death should be kept to a minimum.

The Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association; known to those in the industry as PASMA has existed for over thirty years as a body controlling working standards. It continuing mission has been to improve the safety of those working at height and more specifically those working on mobile access equipment. The training programmes developed by PASMA have done a great deal in improving standards within many industries. The result of the training; an official PASMA photo card means that the holder is able to oversee the use, assembly and dismantling of access equipment all over the land.

Naturally PASMA possess the best knowledge when it comes to working with access equipment, hence its training has been focussed towards safety issues and reducing the numbers of deaths and injuries on sites. In 2005 Work at Height Regulations were released by the government to create a legal determination of the responsibilities of both employers and employees when it comes to working at height. Due to this legislation PASMA has had to adapt it training programmes to meet the needs of government regulations. In addition the body also regulates the use of equipment through auditing processes. The ultimate objective is to make the use of access equipment safer for all.

Access towers are used in all manner of industries, from window cleaning through to decorating and construction. It is thanks to the training programmes that these industries now have a uniform safety procedure whenever a worker is carrying out tasks at height. Members of the association include manufacturers meaning that it can actively work towards making equipment safer whilst taking a pincer approach to training and safe usage.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 ensure that any assembly, erection, use and dismantling of access equipment will require a competent person in situ carrying out the task. Thankfully the completion of a PASMA certified training programme means that operatives will be deemed as competent in the eyes of the law. For those who use access equipment regularly, training is a necessity, ensuring that safety regulations are met at all times.

Competency is defined as anyone with sufficient training that is able to show a professional level of knowledge concerned with access equipment usage. Part of this competency includes recognising risks such as overhanging wires or areas of loose debris; ensuring that workers are always kitted out with appropriate safety gear such as hard hats and harnesses is also part of this. In addition, the competent person should be able to recognise any potential problems with the equipment such as damage and unstable footing.

Training will normally be available at two levels, basic an advanced. While basic programmes will leave the inductee with a level of competency, advanced courses give the participant a far more all encompassing knowledge base. This will allow them to understand the issues pertaining to the use of chimney scaffolds, cantilever access towers and equipment with bridging applications. It is also expected that after undergoing an advanced module, graduates will also have knowledge in first aid and the methods to isolate a fall site for further inspection.

As previously stated PASMA have been vital in creating safer working standards for those who utilise access equipment. Their expertise in the area also means that they are often consulted when the government wishes to adapt its regulations. This role ensures that training programmes are always up to date and meet the legal requirements enshrined in legislation.

The International Powered Access Federation or IPAF for short is a body that over the last twenty five years has strived to promote safe working procedures for powered access machinery workers. It has attempted to pursue these goals by producing training schedules for these workers so they have knowledge of safety issues and how to implement safe working practices. Formed in 1983 IPAF has worked towards these objectives as a non-profit organisation producing training guidelines and setting the standard in terms of safety procedures in the world of powered access.

Through a large network of affiliated training centres IPAF has been able to deliver its message worldwide; at all times trainers are strictly regulated to ensure they adhere to IPAF recommendations and regulations. Once training has been completed an operative is given a Powered Access License meaning that they are safe to work on all manner of powered access machinery such as scissor lifts and cherry pickers. In recent years the Work at Height Regulations (2005) introduced by the British government has meant that in this country at least, the work of IPAF has been enhanced by statutory regulations to improve worker safety.

These Work at Height Regulations apply to anyone who works somewhere where there is a risk of falling and injury. The reason they were created was to prevent accidental deaths whilst working at height. In terms of responsibility, a business owner, a self employed worker and even site managers are legally responsible for ensuring the safety of those working at height. Part of this responsibility is to ensure that all work is correctly planned taking into account the effects of weather; that all equipment is safe to use and properly maintained and any risks such as fragile surfaces and falling objects are controlled effectively.

IPAF comes under the responsibilities defined by regulations as the manger or supervisor must ensure that all workers on the machinery have had adequate training to be deemed as competent. This applies not only to working methods, but the procedures of assembly and disassembly as well as the maintenance of machinery. In addition, those who are deemed competent must train any workers on how to avoid falling and how to fall correctly so any effects of a fall will be limited.

One of the safety initiatives that has been produced by IPAF to complement the government legislation has been the “clunk-click” campaign. Fundamentally this initiative works towards the situation where anyone who is working at height is always wearing a full body safety harness to ensure that any falls do not result in serious injury. This harness is always in contact with a secure anchor point meaning that even if a worker slips and cannot place his hands on a point, the harness will take their weight and prevent the fall.

IPAF, having been in existence for so long is regarded to be the most authoritative resource on all matters pertaining to powered access machinery safety. As such, the government uses the body as an advisor when drafting legislation on safety issues. By working in accordance with not only the British government but governments worldwide has meant that IPAF training courses can be deemed as an all encompassing approach, taking into account regulations from a large number of legislative bodies. Despite this, the constant upheaval of legally defined safety regulations means that training courses are updated regularly to adapt to changes to legislation.

Thanks to its global approach and conscientious working methods the training offered by IPAF regulated centres means that safety for those working at height is now better than it has been in the past. That said, the work of this body is never fully completed, as technological developments and regulations come into effect, IPAF will continue to strive towards making the world of working at height safer.

PASMA is the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association, it sets out to promote the safe use and construction of alloy framed access towers. It has been in existence since the mid seventies and since that time has developed training programs for its members. Due to this long running heritage a PASMA certificate has become the industry standard in the access tower business.

The PASMA code of practice has become the authority on all safety and training issues concerned with access towers. Since the 2005 Work at Height Regulations came into force PASMA has updated its training to incorporate all the according principles. As well as performing training, PASMA have strived to regulate the industry through extensive auditing activities. Through this scheme the uniform performance of access tower construction has been created countrywide.

The use of access towers spans many industries and the work of PASMA has created safe working practices in all of them. From the aeronautical industry to pharmaceuticals, training programs have ensured guidelines and regulations are followed and users are fully aware of the risks and how to minimise any potential problems. The association is fundamentally made up those who manufacture mobile access towers as they have a vested interest in training users to perform tasks safely.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 has meant that PASMA have pursued an officially legislated safety and training standpoint. The regulations state that any assembly, dismantling or alterations to mobile access towers must be carried out by a competent person. It is through efficient PASMA training that enough competent persons are available to perform tasks in the industry.

A competent person can be defined as someone who can show a level of professional competency that ensures safety; providing proof of sufficient training is also a prerequisite of competency. Training ensures that hazards and risks can be recognised in good time ensuring those operating on or around a mobile access tower are kept safe at all times. A competent person should also be able to identify any problems with the way users are working and also any malfunctions with the machinery.

This PASMA qualified person should also be present during the use of a mobile access tower to ensure legal requirements are met at all times. Also the principles of fall protection should be understood to their full extent with recognition of safety procedures and working methods. Added to this a competent person should also be aware of what procedures to follow in the event of an emergency and how all equipment should be packaged and stored.

While the courses regulated by PASMA cover all manner of safety training aspects, they come in five distinct areas. The standard course covers all we have just discussed such as the assembly, movement and dismantling of towers as well as the stability issues that relate to these.

Advanced training courses include a specific look at the erection of roof towers and chimney scaffolds, the use of cantilever access towers and bridging units and the units with footways and stair access. These courses are designed to create competent persons for all manner of scaffolding tasks.

Since the Work at Height Regulations 2005, PASMA training courses have become vital for anyone wishing to use mobile access scaffolding safely and legally. With so much liability being argued, if a fall is to happen this is an unsurprising response to a critical situation.

If a competent person is always available to ensure scaffolding is used safely and efficiently falls and injuries should be kept to a minimum for those who work at height. Ensuring the safety of these workers is of prime importance, hence supervision by a competent person is a vital constituent of using mobile access towers.

A large number of industries use abrasive wheel machinery for all manner of purposes. In many of these industries the abrasive wheel is a piece of equipment that is essential to business operations. This type of machinery however can be extremely dangerous if the operator has not had sufficient training. Without training the abrasive wheel can maim employees and in some cases can even cause death. Thankfully the government’s Health and Safety Executive has set out to ensure all operators undergo training so they can operate the wheels safely.

Training is vital if business owners wish to reduce the instances of injury as a result of abrasive wheel use. Additionally however, the government has put in place legislation that ensures this type of equipment is used safely. This legislation is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations or PUWAR; it was first released in 1998. Fundamentally the legislation places the responsibility of training and safe usage on the employer; as a result, the employer is liable if they do not ensure all abrasive wheel operators have taken a suitable training course. The legislation is far reaching, it not only covers large businesses but also applies to self employed workers, ultimately it attempts to create a safety standard across a number of industries so that all those using this equipment can do so in a safe manner.

The number of bodies who undertake training courses is large, a variety of institutions conduct courses countrywide. When looking for a company to use it is advisable to research their history, ideally a company that has expansive experience in the field is the one to use. By researching carefully you ensure that your workers have the best training possible meaning that they can use the machinery safely and effectively. As a result of a company having a long history, all of their trainers should be legally qualified and highly knowledgeable.

Most training courses will generally include information that covers all issues concerned with wheel usage as well as ways that employees can protect themselves from potential harm. As well as user information, effective training will give operators the knowledge of how to maintain their equipment so it is always in good working order. Naturally the course should not purely focus on safety measures. A large part of the training should focus on how to use wheels in the most effective way. By having this knowledge employees can not only work safely but produce higher quality work at a faster rate. Ultimately training is an investment in people, ensuring they leave the course more educated than when they entered is the ideal outcome.

The courses normally end with a certification ceremony that gives all attendees who have learnt the required knowledge official documentation that allows them to use abrasive wheels. This is usually in the form of an ID card that can be carried in the wallet, ensuring that you, as an employer are always protected from unannounced inspections of your working area. This is vital as it removes the liability from the employer and puts it squarely on the shoulders of the operator.

As abrasive wheel machinery is ultimately dangerous, training is a vital responsibility of all business managers who use the equipment in their operations. With the arguments around liability more important than ever, ensuring you cover yourself as an employer is essential.

The ladder is used for all manner of tasks and functions in a wide variety of industries and businesses. However ladder usage is some times carried out in a dangerous way posing a risk to workers and those in the immediate vicinity. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 have put in place certain legislation in order to improve the safety of those working on ladders whilst also ensuring that suitable training is undertaken before a ladder is used. Thankfully a large number of companies now conduct training courses in line with the regulations as well as the recommendations of the Ladder Association.

These training courses set out to give workers knowledge of how to use ladders safely and the legal policies relating to their usage. It helps workers to understand their own responsibilities and obligations while acknowledging the risks posed by ladder usage. Training should give workers an idea of the correct way to use ladders whilst enabling them to spot any defects with equipment and to store that equipment safely and securely.

Hopefully the following information will give an insight into these training courses and more specifically how they encourage the safe use of ladders. In general ladders are regarded to be high risk pieces of equipment in the workplace. In most cases, if carrying out lengthy jobs, a scaffolding platform or a piece of powered access machinery would be better suited to the purpose.

Most training courses will give trainees the essential information that should be included in a checklist before use. This is labelled as hazard identification and risk assessment and should always be performed before climbing a ladder. Firstly, it is always advisable to place barricades and warning signs around the equipment to ensure that all those in the surrounding area know somebody is working at height. Additionally, the angle of a ladder should be around 1:4, any more or less than this and the outfit can be dangerous. The equipment should always be placed upon a firm footing and in most cases should be secured both at the top and the bottom to ensure it does not slip. In terms of potential hazards, care should be taken to notice any electrical wiring or possible debris before erecting the outfit.

In terms of working on the ladder, adequate training will give workers essential knowledge. Knowing not to have more than one person working on the equipment at any one time is essential as multiple persons can make the outfit unsafe. As well as this, whenever ascending or descending the outfit workers should keep three points of contact with the rungs at all times, this means two hands and a foot or vice versa. The body should always be kept central to the equipment; leaning out is dangerous and can make the outfit unstable. When working on ladders near doorways, it is crucial to lock the door so no-one opens the door and knocks the ladder over. The last point is that heavy lifting should not be conducted from ladders; this will put strain on the body and usually break the three points of contact rule.

Hopefully this information has given workers the vital information on how to use ladders properly. Legally there are certain responsibilities of managers to ensure their workers only use ladders after suitable training. As a dangerous piece of equipment that can seriously injure, it is important to recognise the need for training and safety at all times.

Abrasive wheels are used in all manner of industries; to many job roles the abrasive wheel is an essential piece of equipment that is used on a daily basis. They can however be extremely dangerous without effective training. In fact, it is legally defined that all abrasive wheel operators must have had suitable training in order to operate the machinery. Without this training the abrasive wheel has the potential to seriously maim or even kill. Understandably, health and safety officials have determined a minimum set of standards for all that use this equipment.

Training for those who are inexperienced can help to reduce the instances of dangerous handling and operation of abrasive wheel technology. The piece of legislation that directly relates to the use of this equipment is ‘The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 or PUWER. This legal documentation ensures that all employers have a responsibility to provide adequate training for those operating abrasive wheel equipment. In addition, the regulations ensure that nobody who is ill trained to use an abrasive wheel is able to do so. Even if you are self employed these regulations still apply, attempting to create an industry-wide safety stance to ensure the safe use and storage of these pieces of equipment has been the main objective of the legislation.

Training for abrasive wheel use is carried out by many companies all across the country. Preferably you want to find a training centre that has many years experience in the field of abrasive wheel usage; by doing this, you ensure that the instruction either you or your employees receive is top notch. Making sure your employees are trained by knowledgeable and experienced practitioners is the ultimate objective; in addition, all trainers should be legally qualified to carry out training courses.

The abrasive wheel training course will most likely include the following elements, although this is no way an all encompassing list of the issues surrounding wheel use. Firstly the trainer will most likely give pupils information of the features of abrasive wheels and fundamentally how to protect yourself while using the equipment. Also the course should give advice not only how to use the equipment safely but also to make sure that it is maintained in a way that keeps it safe and in good working order.

The course should not however solely focus upon safety aspects. Understandably you want your employees to come back from the course with knowledge of how to use the equipment efficiently, minimising wear of the wheel and maximising the finish you eventually reach. Along with these aspects, the training will naturally touch on the inclusions in the work regulations for this piece of equipment.

The course will not only cover training however, a vital part of your legal responsibilities as an employer is to ensure your employees are suitably qualified. Thankfully the course will normally include an assessment procedure that will give all who attend certification and proof of their eligibility to work with abrasive wheels. Once an inductee has reached this standard they will be able to operate the equipment safely and effectively, normally all trainees will be given an ID card that proves their eligibility to work. It is vital this card is always with them on site to ensure that if a site inspection occurs, you as an employer are covered in terms of any legal aspects.

As previously stated abrasive wheels can be dangerous, but with effective and efficient training you can ensure your employees are suitably qualified to use the equipment safely. As an employer your legal responsibilities today are greater than ever, by ensuring you employees are trained you negate this legal responsibility and ensure that in the eyes of the law your operation is fulfilling all criteria.

IPAF is the International Powered Access Federation; it is dedicated in promoting safe usage of powered access machinery through effective training courses. Its worldwide stance has meant that IPAF has become an authority in all training issues surrounding powered access machinery, operating in many countries globally. Set up in 1983, this year sees IPAF celebrating its twenty fifth year as a non-profit organisation that strives to create safer working procedures for all powered access workers. By creating training guidelines, its work has been fundamental in strengthening the safety aspects of powered access operating.

IPAF performs this important role by regulating training operators and ensuring they meet strict standards of operation. It is currently estimated that almost seventy thousand operatives undergo training in around three hundred training centres in any one year. The result of IPAF training is a certificate in the form of a PAL card or Powered Access License. It is not just a top down organisation however; with such a wide base of members, it is through feedback on working procedures that IPAF members can influence future legislation and improve the way in which powered access is performed.

IPAF have been recently working toward training all operators to enter into their ‘Clunk Click’ campaign. Reminiscent of the seatbelt campaigns during the eighties and nineties it sets out to ensure that operatives wear a full body harness whenever they are working at height. Training also ensures that this harness is secured to a suitable anchor point at all times. The campaign can be seen as a clear response to a number of fatalities where boom lift workers were catapulted from their work stations due to a lack of suitable harness equipment.

Legally, IPAF has to constantly keep itself, and it’s licensed training centres up to date with current legislation. Most recently the Work at Height Regulation (2005) and the Construction Regulations (2007) have meant an overhaul of the training programs, this work was undertaken meaning that legally defined responsibilities can be easily met for operatives. Having a global approach however means that IPAF must incorporate a number of diverse regulations from different countries in order to comply. It is through a multi-lateral approach that IPAF have achieved training programs that meet all relevant government legislation.

For those who run a boom lift business, IPAF training will become an even more important element to operation. The new corporate manslaughter act of last year will, according to legal expects work towards protecting conscientious managers wile simultaneously punishing those who run dangerous working methods. The act came into effect last month and ensures that managers make relevant provisions and ensure safe working methods are maintained at all times. More precisely this is maintaining equipment extensively and ensuring work areas are safe. If these responsibilities are neglected and a death does occur, an investigation of the company managers will ensue. The findings of the investigation will deem if the company is at fault and whether charges of corporate manslaughter can be levelled.

It is due to these strict health and safety regulations that IPAF has been able to lead safety standards in its field. Without the work of this organisation there is little doubt that the powered access operator would be at more risk. If you are a business manager that regularly utilises boom lifts and other powered access lifts, finding a nearby IPAF approved training facility is essential if you do not wish to fall foul to current legislation. Ultimately the organisation is trying to make the working world safer, your responsibilities as a manger are to heed their recommendations and ensure that accidents are kept to a minimum.

A look at the training that the competent person should possess when people are working on a scaffold structure.

Most workers in the building trade will happily claim themselves competent in all manner of fields. Years of experience working in the industry tends to make many individuals consider themselves experts when in fact their expertise are not recognised by any official body. In terms of scaffold training, the issue of competency become vitally important as in most countries it is now the case that when using a scaffold, a competent person must be on site to overview the work and working conditions. This competent person is defined by the training they have had in the erection, use and dismantling of scaffold structures.

Competency is defined by the regulating body of scaffold use, PASMA. It is this body’s job to ensure there are enough people with sufficient training to uphold the rules and regulations of scaffold use. These regulations should be observed by those working on and around the scaffold and it is the responsibility of the competent person on site to keep all workers safe and negate, or at least minimise possible hazards.

Hazards form a fundamental part in the competent person’s scaffold training. It is their job to ensure that they are capable of identifying routine and existing hazards on the actual scaffold and also in the working area more generally. Training should also include ways in which to identify unsanitary working conditions and ways in which these hazards can be actively diminished through efficient corrective measures. This training gives the competent person authority over anyone else when it comes to the scaffold and immediate area; these are the two words those in the trade must remember; competency and authority.

This competent person does not have to be an external party and increasingly many in the trade are undergoing sufficient training to declare themselves as competent. At the erection of a scaffold, good practise ensures that an inspector will visit the site and assess the safety of the scaffold and the level of capability the competent person possesses. Not only is the knowledge of this person assessed in detail but their levels authority and how they put into action safety measures is also evaluated. The combination of competency with the relevant information and enough authority to implement this knowledge is the perfect solution.

The competent person’s duties come as a direct result of their training, it is only this person that is allowed to permit modifications to the scaffold and which components can be used. They are also responsible for the loads that are placed upon the scaffold and whether the supporting structure is strong enough to uphold these loads. They must also inspect all ropes for defects before each shift begins and at any point where the integrity of a rope may be compromised. Access to the scaffold must also be observed using knowledge from their training concerned with specific hazards.

An important responsibility of the competent person concerns the effects of weather conditions on scaffold integrity. Such weather conditions include storms or high winds; in these conditions it is up to the competent person to draw on their training and deem whether it is safe for workers to assail the scaffolding structure. Without specific information of safe working wind speeds it is up to the competent person to evaluate the situation on any specific site and put in place sufficient protective measures to ensure the safety of workers.

When it comes to working at height, safety is always a major concern. It is the employer’s responsibility that there is always a competent person on site to oversee the work and ensure all those on the scaffold have sufficient training and know how to work in a safe manner that minimises risks and takes into account all of the hazards that may be present. When it comes to safety, diligence is essential to achieve safe working methods.

The acronym PASMA refers to the Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association. Its purpose is to strive for the safe usage of scaffolds and towers in the construction industry. PASMA as a body has been in existence since the seventies working towards a safer operating environment for workers at height. As the body has worked so vehemently towards introducing safety measures, today the PASMA certificate stands as the industry standard for those working at height.

This has been especially true since the 2005 Work at Height Regulations have been enforced. By meeting and designing their training to meet these regulatory requirements they have managed to stay at the forefront of the scaffolding industry and PASMA today is a cornerstone of any person’s training who works at height.

The code of practise developed by PASMA is now the authoritative document for anyone wishing to work at height. It ensures that all those who use scaffolding are suitably aware of risks and dangers associated with this type of work. The constant updating of their codes of practise has meant that they always meet regulatory requirements in their training package. They are such an authority that it is with their consultation that new regulations are developed.

It is not just through training that PASMA have regulated the scaffolding and construction industries. They regularly oversee the training of persons able to audit and review other’s working practices. This is a vital component of their work as while training may give some idea of the potential risks, having a person there who is competent enough to regulate others means a safer working environment for all those at height.

The safe working practices developed by PASMA are present in a variety of industries. This has meant a multi-faceted approach to training that has been a core principle for those who work for PASMA. With so many different types of risk in a variety of disparate situations, ensuring safety can be a daunting task. Thankfully the training provided by PASMA and PASMA affiliated companies means that construction sites are safer than ever.

A major part of pursuing the compliance with Work at Height Regulations 2005 has been to ensure a competent person is always on site whenever scaffolds or towers are erected, altered or dismantled. It is thanks to PASMA training that enough competent persons are present to ensure the construction industry does not completely grind to halt. As further affiliate training companies offer courses to those needing suitable training, the numbers of competent persons is always increasing.

Put simply the competent person is someone who has had sufficient training to be considered professionally competent to ensure the safety of other workers. This training means that the competent person has the knowledge to recognise potential risks and dangers and put into effect measures that will limit if not completely diminish the risk of injury.

This has been especially important today as liability cases reach an all time high, now it is not just the conscience of a site manager that will be affected by an accident at work, increasingly the wallet of employers has also bee hurt. Today, any employer who has workers at height has a clear responsibility to ensure suitable competent persons are on site to keep safety procedures evident.

While accidents still happen on work sites, they are on the decrease. It is unlikely if they will ever be completely wiped out but with increasing numbers of PASMA trained persons hopefully these numbers will decrease.