Event industry associations the AEO, AEV and ESSA have joined forces to launch Stop the Drop, a health and safety scheme aiming to prevent falls when working at height.

Conceived earlier this year by a cross association Health and Safety Working Group, the project hopes to make event professionals aware of the dangers of working at height and to come up with a solution to minimise risk.

Samantha Moss, head of health and safety at UBM, said: “Stop the Drop is about making sure that everyone involved with onsite safety at events is getting consistent information and knows exactly what type of equipment to use on each type of job when working at height.”

The project will include information and training aids for the entire event process, from design to implementation. There will be advice for equipment, design considerations and communications with contractors and exhibitors.

Paul Brough, group health and safety manager, Olympia London, commented: “Stop the Drop is designed to help educate all personnel on the correct safe working practice when working at height. It provides an easy to follow guide for people to use both prior to coming on site and whilst at the venue to protect every individual involved in putting on the event.”

Gavin Bull, HM inspector of health and safety, added: “Falls from height are one of the most common causes of fatal injury in the UK. HSE supports the work of AEO, AEV and ESSA and the commitment they have made to improving safety for workers in the exhibition industry who frequently work at height.

“This is an excellent example of how an industry is working together to improve the safety of its workforce and playing its part in helping Great Britain work well.”

More information about Stop the Drop can be found at www.stop-the-drop.co.uk.