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
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