ATLAS members maintain commitment to safety

The latest annual accident survey undertaken by the Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists (ATLAS) demonstrates the high health and safety standards of its members in the workplace.

Despite operating in a high risk sector where working at height is unavoidable, ATLAS members recorded no fatalities for the fifth consecutive year and only one major injury, ensuring that the fatal and major injury rates were both lower than the construction industry as a whole.

The results of the 2013 survey, which covered over 1,100 operatives, revealed that incidence rates for all types of accidents amongst ATLAS members fell to their lowest levels for six years. The only major injury reported was caused by being hit by a moving, flying or falling object rather than falling from height which is notable for a sector where working at height is a fundamental part of daily activities. The ATLAS major injury rate was 87.0 per 100,000 workers which was lower than the rates for both the specialist sector represented by NSCC (105.1 per 100,000 workers) and the industry as a whole (156.0 per 100,000workers). The reduction in frequency rates for all accidents, both reportable and non-reportable, means that working hours per accident is at an all-time survey high of 96,087 hours between each accident occurring.

ATLAS is committed to helping its members to maintain the highest safety standards and to show clients and other interested parties that using an ATLAS member for their steeplejacking and lightning protection needs is the safest option. ATLAS issues guidance and up to date information on regulations and working practices including BS EN 62305, the recognised industry standard that lightning protection systems must be designed and installed to. ATLAS also organises sector-specific training courses through the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group.

ATLAS President John Jolly said:

“ATLAS members continue to demonstrate that they have an excellent safety record, which goes back many years. Focussing on the training and development of our operatives can help us to improve further and make sure we provide the safest working environment possible. Clients should always choose a specialist steeplejack or lightning protection contractor which bears the ATLAS logo to ensure high standards of workmanship and safety, which is a key objective of our Inspect and Protect Campaign.”