Rutland and North Leicestershire

Noted (AI summary) MHRA acknowledges the concerns about support belts lacking warnings and guidance, provides background on its regulatory role, and explains existing device regulations and post-market surveillance activities, including Yellow Card scheme and collaborations. It highlights manufacturer responsibilities for safety and labeling. The response includes details on the product and its instructions for use. The DHSC acknowledges the concerns regarding the lack of warnings and information on lap belt products, states that the responsibility for these concerns sits within another organisation, and will be writing to the Office of Product Safety and Standards. OPSS has written to major online marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Temu, Shein and Alibaba) to make them aware that certain products may not be provided with suitable instructions or warnings to assure safe use by likely users, and alerted online marketplaces to its Product Safety Report published for the ORTONES belt to make clear this product should not be supplied.

Noted (AI summary) IPAF proposes to bring the matter of rescue plans to the industry through its elected members at its board and council meeting to consider its current position on rescue plans and will hold the next IPAF Council meeting on 10th September 2024. RTITB confirms that their MEWP Basic Training course includes sessions on Emergency Escape and Rescue Plans, referencing excerpts from their trainer's guide. NPORS will convene a subcommittee to review rescue plan guidance by October 1, 2024, and will consult with industry bodies to explore improvements, but a timescale will be determined by the responses. AITT states that basket-to-basket rescue is a last resort and provides details of training in how to perform emergency lowering. Lantra will work with NPORS to determine if a specific MEWP Rescue Training Course has a place in the market by October 1, 2024 and will update training materials to highlight the use of a Personnel Platform as a method for rescue by November 1, 2024. IPAF provides guidance for planning and undertaking MEWP recovery and rescue, including platform-to-platform methods, and offers a certified training program. ITSSAR will update its course syllabus to include planning and organisation of work at height, specifically the hierarchy of control measures, and the importance of a company-specific rescue plan and safe systems of work for lone working.

Noted (AI summary) The Motor Sports Association details its history of considering frontal head restraints and insurance policies, and provides statistics on affiliated clubs, license holders, officials and authorised events.