LEEA Supports World Day for Safety and Health at Work
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) proudly stands alongside industry leaders in recognising World Day for Safety and Health at Work on Monday, 28 April. Established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this global initiative highlights the ongoing commitment to improving workplace safety standards.
At LEEA, our vision is clear: lifting and height safety industries must eliminate accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Through education, influence, and enablement, we ensure that best practice is not just a goal but an everyday reality.
This is central to our mission of raising standards across the lifting sector, and our training courses play a pivotal role in equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve safety.
This year's theme, The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work, underscores the increasing importance of technology in enhancing worker safety. LEEA member Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd (RSS) is leading the way in digital innovation, demonstrating how new compliance tools and safety technologies are transforming the industry.
RSS and Digital Innovation in Lifting Safety
RSS is at the forefront of the lifting sector’s adoption of digital safety systems, spearheaded by the live365 project. As part of this initiative, Leanne Whitehurst-Maiden, National Digitalisation Manager at RSS, is driving the rollout of digital compliance software across 14 regional depots. Her leadership in digitalised inspection records has significantly improved equipment traceability, ensuring that site personnel have access to live data on the condition of lifting equipment.
“Innovations regarding digital safety are of paramount importance within the RSS Group,” says Whitehurst-Maiden. “By prioritising digitalisation and improving traceability, we are equipping customers across the UK with systems that support safer lifting operations. Training is a fundamental part of this transformation, ensuring industry professionals can fully utilise digitalised inspection records.”
Digital Passports: Enhancing Safety and Sustainability
As part of its commitment to digital transformation, RSS is working closely with LEEA to promote the Digital Passport initiative. This data management tool records essential product lifecycle information, including material composition, maintenance guidelines, energy performance, and recycling methods.
“A Digital Passport reduces paper while increasing the likelihood that equipment will be repaired rather than replaced, creating immediate sustainability benefits,” says Whitehurst-Maiden. “Through LEEA-accredited training, digital equipment hire and sale, and data analysis software, we are helping businesses improve visibility across their sites. This allows for a more proactive approach to accident prevention and compliance.”
LEEA’s Commitment to Safety
Safety is at the heart of LEEA’s mission. Through the LEEA Training Academy, we provide globally recognised training programmes that improve competency, raise standards, and ensure that professionals across the lifting industry have access to the knowledge needed to embed safety into everyday operations.
Reflecting on this commitment, Alex Beltrao, Director of Compliance at LEEA, states:
"At LEEA, our focus is on driving continuous improvement within the Lifting Industry. Through our LEEA training individuals and organisations, advocating for best practices, and driving innovation, we are building an industry where safety is the foundation of all operations. World Day for Safety and Health at Work serves as an important reminder that every company has a role in making workplaces safer, and LEEA is committed to leading that change.”
As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, LEEA and RSS remain dedicated to ensuring technology enhances safety standards across the lifting industry. World Day for Safety and Health at Work provides an opportunity to reflect on how innovation, compliance, and education can help create a safer working environment for all.
For more information on the range of LEEA training courses available both virtually and in-person at our Huntingdon centre visit our website course catalogue here.
For more information about Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd please click here.
