Incident Reporting: Consistency Drives Improvement

In the high-risk environment of rope access operations, consistency in incident reporting is not just a regulatory necessity—it is a critical driver of safety improvement.

Reliable and consistent reporting, particularly for near misses, allows companies and the wider industry to identify trends, analyze root causes, and share lessons learned.

Without accurate and detailed incident data, opportunities for improvement may be overlooked, potentially leading to repeated hazards and unnecessary risks.

IRATA International has recognised the need for enhanced data precision in incident reporting; (If you didn’t know, all IRATA Member Companies are required to report incidents within 7 days of them occurring) but historically companies are under reporting indents and near misses, a topic we have already covered in a previous article.

If you are a member of IRATA: there is a new incident reporting form and associated guidance which marks a significant step forward in gaining precise data categories and refined criteria for defining “dangerous occurrences”. These improvements will facilitate a better understanding of incident patterns, allowing for a more robust measurement of safety performance and improvements over time.

A key feature of this update is the integration of incorporated and accessible guidance within the Incident Report [FM-021]. This built-in support is designed to remove barriers to accurate reporting by offering clear instructions and definitions. By making the reporting process more intuitive, IRATA aims to ensure that organisations can submit detailed and meaningful incident data without ambiguity or confusion.

Regardless if you are a member of IRATA or working for a non-Member, fostering a culture of openness remains a primary focus for us all. Whilst IRATA have an ongoing global campaign seeking to encourage transparent incident reporting by promoting open discussion without fear of blame it is up to us to ensure that the companies we work with have a shifting workplace cultures that prioritise safety over liability. We believe this is essential to achieving genuine improvements in incident prevention.

As IRATA continues to drive these changes, companies within the rope access industry must actively support and participate in the initiative. Embracing consistent and accurate incident reporting will lead to a safer working environment for all, ensuring that lessons are learned and improvements are made before serious incidents occur. By working together and prioritising safety, the industry can move towards a future where every worker benefits from a well-informed and proactive approach to risk management.

Yours in Safety

Deborah Chick

Ascend QM CEO

Persistent Hazards Require Targeted Solutions

Work at height and rope access industries face persistent hazards that demand ongoing vigilance and targeted solutions. Beyond human error, recurring risks such as dropped objects, rope damage, challenging working environments, fatigue, and the failure to identify hazards continue to pose threats to safety. Addressing these risks requires companies to incorporate them into their training programs and operational procedures, adopting a proactive approach to prevention and mitigation.

To support consistent and effective risk management practices, IRATA International has developed a comprehensive library of guidance materials tailored to these common challenges. These resources, including focused International Code of Practice (ICOP) Annexes and Topic Sheets, provide actionable advice to help members mitigate risks and enhance safety protocols. By integrating these resources into their operations, organisations can ensure a uniform approach to tackling recurring hazards.

A lot of the fundamentals start in the class room of an IRATA Training Member Company, but part of the reason why IRATA is so successful, is that a key aspect of IRATA’s strategy involves incorporating these persistent themes into the agendas of Assessor & Instructor (A&I) Workshops. These workshops serve as a platform for collaborative discussions between IRATA qualified Instructors and Assessors, where documented insights allow IRATA to evaluate potential changes to the TACS (Training, Assessment, and Certification Scheme) and refine industry standards. By sharing knowledge and experiences, these workshops aim to raise awareness and reduce the recurrence of common hazards across ALL training member companies, ensuring a cohesive and consistent message between all training providers.

The model of A&I Workshops proactively addresses persistent risks, and not only improves safety outcomes but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Many businesses can learn from the examples set by IRATA.

By identifying patterns and focusing efforts on high-risk areas, companies can better protect their workforce and prevent accidents before they occur. Leveraging IRATA’s guidance materials and the multitude of freely available publications enables organisations to stay ahead of emerging risks and drive meaningful progress in safety practices.

In an industry where the stakes are high, persistence in addressing hazards is essential. Through targeted solutions and shared responsibility, all rope access technicians and companies can strengthen safety standards, protect lives, and advance the professionalism of the working-at-height and rope access sectors.

Yours in Safety

Deborah Chick

Ascend QM CEO