Unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion, and recalling her time as director general of the Chemical Industries Association (CIA), Hackitt acknowledged the contribution of PASMA and trade associations in general to advancing safety and best practice.
In particular, Ms Hackitt highlighted the long time cooperation between HSE and PASMA and the work of the association in promoting competency when working at height. She commented, "PASMA is a good example of what can be achieved when regulator and trade body work together to improve standards and develop a culture of safety and excellence."
Responding on behalf of the association, managing director, Peter Bennett, said, "PASMA has always valued its relationship with HSE and continues to do so. It remains a key partner in helping us to serve both our members and the industry at large, and in promoting and encouraging the safe and proper use of access equipment for working at height."
PASMA has made considerable progress in the last 18 months. Celebrating its 35th birthday in 2009, it moved into its own premises, took over full-time responsibility for the secretariat, appointed its first training scheme and technical managers and trained more than 50,000 delegates in the safe use of mobile access towers in that year alone.
(Jim Evans)
