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

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