UK Industry Backs BS8681 to Elevate Fall Protection Standards
In a powerful and unprecedented show of solidarity, the UK fall protection sector is rallying behind the rollout of BS8681:2024 – a brand-new British Standard designed to professionalise and elevate safety practices at height. Developed as a benchmark for competency in designing, installing, and inspecting personal fall protection systems, the standard is already shaking up the industry in the best possible way.
The launch of BS8681:2024 isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It represents a unified call to action across manufacturers, training organisations, awarding bodies and safety leaders, aimed at reshaping how fall protection is implemented across UK worksites.
Alan Murray of the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), who spearheaded the coordination efforts, captured the spirit of the movement: “The rollout of BS8681:2024 represents more than just a change in standards; it’s a collective commitment to safer work environments.”
What the Standard Covers
BS8681:2024 outlines a robust and comprehensive framework across three main pillars:
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Equipment Selection & Installation: Ensuring the right systems are installed correctly to prevent accidents.
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Training & Competency: Setting clear benchmarks for qualifications, skills, and ongoing learning.
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Inspection & Maintenance: Introducing structured guidelines for regular and thorough safety checks.
While the technical content of the standard is essential, what’s truly transformative is how the entire supply chain is embracing and implementing it.
Collaboration in Action
From training providers to manufacturers, several key players are already walking the talk. A coalition of organisations – including 8point8 Training, Kee Safety, Hydrajaws, Smart Awards, and SFS – are putting BS8681:2024 front and centre in their operations.
Take 8point8 Training, for example. Their purpose-built facilities in Doncaster now host cutting-edge fall protection training, bolstered by real-world systems supplied by manufacturers.
Hydrajaws, known for their testing tools, played a vital role by bringing 8point8’s staff up to speed on the latest equipment and data capture processes. Adrian Morgan from Hydrajaws remarked: “Hydrajaws was thrilled to contribute by training 8point8 staff in the latest testing methods and data recording tools.”
Kee Safety, long-time champions of height safety, didn’t hesitate when the apprenticeship pathway launched. As Graham Willmott explained: “Our Group recognises the importance of training and development of our fall protection technicians and inspectors. As soon as the apprenticeship programme was available, we committed to the programme and enrolled our delegates.”
Training for the Future
Crucially, the standard isn’t just for today’s professionals. It’s laying the groundwork for the next generation. Learners are now progressing through new nationally recognised qualifications, including:
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Level 3 NVQ in Access and Rigging – Fall Protection
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Level 3 Fall Protection Technician Apprenticeship
These qualifications aren’t just academic exercises. Thanks to companies like SFS, apprentices gain hands-on experience with sample systems and installation materials that mirror real-world applications.
Jonathan Seymour from SFS explained: “SFS was delighted to have the opportunity to support 8point8 Training Ltd with their delivery of the Level 3 Fall Protection Technician Apprenticeship and the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Accessing and Rigging.”
This kind of immersive, employer-supported training ensures that tomorrow’s technicians aren’t just compliant – they’re confident, capable, and ready to lead the way.
David Ravensdale from 8point8 Training couldn’t have said it better: “These qualifications are raising the industry’s standards, ensuring that current and future professionals are fully equipped to handle the complexities of installing and maintaining fall protection systems.”
Why BS8681:2024 Matters
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and serious injuries in the UK. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls accounted for 30% of all fatal injuries to workers in 2023. That stark reality underscores the urgency of BS8681:2024.
By defining clear competency requirements, the standard directly tackles one of the most persistent gaps in the sector: inconsistency. With better training, rigorous inspections, and systemised documentation, the industry can turn the tide.
And the support isn’t just symbolic. The British Safety Industry Federation, which boasts nearly 400 member companies, is backing BS8681:2024 as part of its broader mission to ensure that:
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PPE and safety products are fit-for-purpose.
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The supply chain is competent and compliant.
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End users receive effective protection.
BSIF also operates the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS), which helps duty holders identify trustworthy suppliers, and the Fit2Fit accreditation for respiratory face fit testing – another nod to their longstanding role in safeguarding UK workers.
Spreading the Word
As the industry rallies, momentum is building. Smart Awards has revamped its assessment frameworks to mirror the new requirements. Training providers are scaling up capacity. Employers are investing in apprenticeships and CPD. And most importantly, professionals are seeing the value.
Graham Willmott noted: “We are already seeing the benefits with individuals now starting to complete their apprenticeships and enter their final assessments.”
This coordinated, multi-layered rollout means organisations of all sizes can hit the ground running. Whether you’re a large contractor or a specialist installer, BS8681:2024 offers a roadmap that’s both practical and progressive.
Looking Ahead
While compliance is the immediate goal, the real prize is cultural change. With the sector pulling together, BS8681:2024 is quickly becoming more than just a guideline – it’s a shared ethos.
Alan Murray summed it up with a vision that resonates: “As more professionals achieve advanced qualifications, the industry will continue to evolve, innovate, and strengthen safety standards, creating a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering excellence in fall protection.”
With that level of commitment, the future of working at height in the UK looks not only safer but smarter, stronger, and more sustainable.
