Ad
Saturday, August 9, 2025
25.2 C
London

The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008  |  U.K. Edition

Working at Height Regulations May Be Spared in EU-era Law Overhaul

- Advertisement -

In what appears to be a major policy reversal, the UK Government has today announced that it will not proceed wholly with the planned repeal of retained EU laws, including the vital Working at Height Regulations. 

The legislation was initially slated for removal at the end of 2023 as part of the Revocation and Reform Bill, but indications suggest it will now remain in force. Official confirmation, however, is still awaited.

The controversial Bill, initially aimed at expunging EU-derived laws from the UK statute book in the aftermath of Brexit, had targeted over 2,400 regulations for elimination. However, today’s media reports suggest that just 600 pieces of EU-era legislation will be scrapped, significantly less than the 4,000 initially proposed. 

Key safety regulations, including the Working at Height Regulations, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations, and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, are now expected to be retained.

The Access Industry Forum (AIF), which had been actively campaigning against the repeal of the Work at Height Regulations, will likely view this as a victory for worker safety. 

The AIF has previously pointed out that these regulations, although originating from an EU directive, have been a significant part of UK law for nearly two decades and were neither unfit for purpose nor burdensome.

Alongside the AIF, the ten principal trade associations and federations involved in work at height had submitted written evidence to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee, making a compelling case for the continuation of these laws.

Industry Reaction

Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, expressed optimism about the imminent announcement, stating, “I am delighted that today’s announcement appears to confirm that common sense has prevailed and that these vitally important regulations will be retained.

Our relentless engagement with ministers and officials over recent months has helped them understand the consequences of scrapping these regulations. I am grateful that they acted in the interests of construction worker safety.”

The AIF had also urged various sectors to write to their MPs, advocating for the Working at Height Regulations to be integrated into UK law and exempted from ‘sunset clauses’ within the EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill.

- Advertisement -

Popular Categories

Most Read >

Scaffolding Association Joins Build UK to Boost Industry Voice

The Scaffolding Association has formally joined Build UK as...

Pilosio Partners with Sky Climber to Bring FlyDeck System to North America

Italian scaffolding manufacturer Pilosio has entered the North American...

New Zealand to Ease Scaffolding Rules on Construction Sites

New Zealand is set to overhaul its scaffolding regulations...

NASC and SAIA Join Forces to Elevate Global Scaffold Standards

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the...

Scaffolding Industry Mourns the Loss of Founding Leader David Spice

Christchurch, New Zealand — The scaffolding community across New...
- Advertisements -

Related Articles >

“Relaxation of the Working at Height Regulations can only make the situation worse”

3B Training, a leading multi-accredited health and safety training company to the construction sector, joins industry bodies in calling on the government for reassurance that Working at Height Regulations (WAHR) won’t be removed...

Latest Topics

NASC and SAIA Join Forces to Elevate Global Scaffold Standards

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the...

Pilosio Partners with Sky Climber to Bring FlyDeck System to North America

Italian scaffolding manufacturer Pilosio has entered the North American...

Scaffolding Association Joins Build UK to Boost Industry Voice

The Scaffolding Association has formally joined Build UK as...

ScaffCycle Launches to Help Firms Trade Surplus Scaffold

A new online platform designed to help scaffolding companies...
- Advertisement -