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Safety standards in the scaffolding industry

P003044 - 12 February 2025 to 03 March 2025

Presentations: 2
Presenters: 1
Transport

At a Glance

This petition concerning safety standards in the scaffolding industry was presented to Parliament 2 times by 1 MP.

Issue Summary

The petition calls for a review of current laws and guidance regarding the scaffolding industry after an incident where an unsecured scaffold board caused the death of the petitioner’s 11-year-old son.

Action Requested

The Government is urged to mandate that scaffolding personnel must be members of a governing body responsible for controlling how scaffolding businesses are run, including safety standards, and to improve training and competence levels in the industry.

Key Facts

  • The incident occurred on December 9, 2024.
  • The Health and Safety Executive noted that the securing of the load was "grossly inadequate."
  • Updated guidance on safe loading of vehicles, including scaffolding loads, was published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency in December 2024.

Presentation Timeline

MPs presented this petition on the following dates. Each card shows the presenters and any recorded remarks.

Presented
03 March 2025
Helena Dollimore Labour (Co-op)
Hastings and Rye
Presented
12 February 2025
Helena Dollimore Labour (Co-op)
Hastings and Rye
I am presenting this petition on behalf of my constituent Maria Dennis, who tragically lost her 11-year-old son, Harry Dennis, two years ago in a tragic accident when an unsecured scaffolding board from a flatbed truck went through the windscreen of the car carrying Harry, killing him. I want to pay tribute to Harry’s mum, Maria, for her determination to channel her grief into campaigning and action to make sure that a tragedy such as this never happens again. Maria is campaigning to raise awareness of the dangers of unsafe loads so that other families do not have to endure this agony. Unsafe loads kill hundreds of people every year, and it is estimated that 62,000 items fell off vehicles on the strategic road network in the last year alone. The petitioner therefore requests that the House of Commons urge the Government to review the current laws and guidance in this area, including safety standards, skills training and awareness of the risks. This petition has been signed by about 2,000 people.
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