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Working at height remains one of the most perilous activities across various industries.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height are the leading cause of workplace fatalities. Alarmingly, over two-thirds of all major work-at-height injuries occur from falls of two metres or less. The risks are widespread, impacting sectors from construction and maintenance to utilities and warehousing. Therefore, it is imperative that employees receive comprehensive training to recognise and mitigate these dangers effectively.

Understanding the Market and Workforce Needs

At MRS Training and Rescue, with over a century of experience, we have taken a proactive approach to understanding the intricacies of working at height within different industries. Recognising that not all workers are full-time height specialists, we have developed tailored training programmes that cater to a broad spectrum of industry needs. This approach ensures that safety training is practical, relevant, and accessible for all employees, regardless of their specific roles.

Progressive Training with City & Guilds

In collaboration with City & Guilds, we have designed a suite of progressive training courses that follow the assured product route. These courses leverage engineering solutions to address the challenges of working at height, providing practical, hands-on experience with the latest safety equipment and techniques. This partnership ensures that the training meets rigorous standards and delivers tangible, applicable skills to workers at all levels, from safely working at height as an individual to being part of a team capable of rescue from height.

A Practical Alternative to IRATA Training

While IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) training is exemplary for rope access technicians, it may not be suitable for every worker who occasionally needs to operate at height. IRATA training requires substantial physical strength and a commitment to clocking thousands of hours in rope access work, which may not be feasible for many industry workers. We acknowledge this reality and offer alternative training that is more practical for the diverse workforce engaged in height-related tasks.

Engineering Solutions for Height Safety

The cornerstone of our courses is the use of engineering solutions to enhance safety. By focusing on technical solutions and equipment, these courses provide workers with the tools and knowledge they need to perform their duties safely and efficiently. This includes the use of harnesses, guardrails, anchor points, and fall arrest systems, which are critical for preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Practical and Accessible Training

Our programmes are designed to be inclusive and accessible. Recognising that many workers may not possess the physical prowess required for intensive rope access training, our courses emphasise practical skills that can be utilised by a wider range of employees. This approach ensures that safety training is not only effective but also achievable for more workers, inclusive of differing physical capabilities.

Conclusion

The dangers of working at height in industry cannot be overstated. Without proper training, workers are at significant risk of injury or fatality. Our innovative approach to training, developed following the City & Guilds assured product path, addresses these risks with practical, engineering-based solutions. In a world where industrial accidents continue to pose serious threats, the importance of accessible, practical, and effective training cannot be overlooked. MRS Training and Rescue stands at the forefront of this endeavour, committed to providing the necessary skills and knowledge to safeguard workers at height. Through our dedication and expertise, we are helping to create a safer, more secure industry landscape for everyone.

For more details check out our range of progressive courses at https://www.mrsl.co.uk/trainin...