BSR launches campaign for residents of high-rise buildings

March 12, 2024

BSR launches campaign for residents of high-rise buildings

Source: HSE

The new regulator is asking all those living in tall buildings in England to be aware of how new Building Safety laws affect them. These laws protect and empower people living in high-rise residential buildings (HRBs) to take part in safety decisions that affect them – as well as providing a clear process for reporting safety concerns. This is a major milestone in the journey towards safer high-rise living, placing residents’ rights front and centre.

The Building Safety Act provides a framework for ensuring the safety of residents living in HRBs – these are buildings 18 meters or seven or more floors in height containing at least two residential units. They are defined as ‘higher-risk’ under the Act. Residents of these buildings are urged to find out more about how the new law affects them.

Every high-rise building is now required to have a Principal Accountable Person (PAP), ensuring that those responsible for managing the building’s safety can be held to account for fulfilling their legal obligations.

The enhanced residents’ rights include:

  • Assurance that safety risks in their building are being effectively addressed
  • Access to ongoing information on what is being done to improve safety in their building
  • Empowerment to voice safety concerns, with assurance that their concern will be taken seriously
  • Clear, accessible, and easy to understand information regarding safety matters

The legislation empowers residents to report safety concerns, assured that their grievances will be taken seriously. Clear protocols are in place for expressing concerns or making a complaint. Residents can raise concerns and issues to the PAP for their building.

Operating within the Health and Safety Executive, the BSR is a crucial part of the Government’s response to the Grenfell fire tragedy. An essential element of the new regulator’s role is to ensure the safety of high-rise residential buildings.

Philip White, Director of Building Safety at the Health and Safety Executive, said: “Residents are at the heart of our regulatory efforts. It’s vital for us to amplify their voices and to recognise the role they play in the safety of their buildings. Safety standards in high rise buildings must be assessed and managed by the Principal Accountable Person (PAP). The regulator will review how the building is managed and whether the PAP has complied with their duties.

“Our residents panel members represent the diverse resident community in high-rise buildings. They provide valuable insights based on their real-life experiences of living in a high-rise building. This engagement contributes significantly to our regulatory programme for HRBs.

The residents’ panel welcomes the new measures empowering high-rise residents. They are encouraged by the assurance that residents can speak up with confidence, knowing that their voices will not only be heard but also that their concerns will be considered fully.”

Marlene Price BEM, a member of the BSR Residents Panel, says: “Everyone should feel safe in their home, including the millions of people who live in high-rise buildings. The Building Safety Regulator is working to make this ambition a reality.”

Visit the Building Safety Regulator campaign website to learn more about BSR’s work to make buildings in England safer.

Our Comment

This campaign illustrates the importance which the BSR is placing on resident engagement.

A well-executed strategy will build trust between residents and property management. When residents see that safety is a priority and that measures are in place to protect them, it enhances their confidence in being able to live safely in high rise buildings.

BSR High Rise Campaign

Contact

At William Martin, we bring unparalleled health & safety expertise and powerful technology to the table. Whatever your sector and wherever you are, we give you the support you need to keep compliant, strong, and successful.

This content has been produced in association with our sister company, Barbour.

For all enquiries, please contact us or call our team on 0203 819 8829.

Related Posts

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Barbour-JustIcon-wh.png November 29, 2024

Fire safety bodies hold Grenfell Report roundtable

Fire safety professionals have met to discuss the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Barbour-JustIcon-wh.png November 29, 2024

Company fined after worker loses finger

A nationwide bakery has been fined more than £360,000.

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Barbour-JustIcon-wh.png November 29, 2024

Vulnerable Residents Put At Risk Of Contracting Legionnaires Disease

A company has been fined following an outbreak of legionella at its sheltered housing accommodation.

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/WM-Consultancy-JustIcon-wh.png grenfell-towers-fire-safety November 22, 2024

The Role of Technology in Ensuring Building Safety in a Post-Grenfell World

Find out about the role of technology in a post-Grenfell world.

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/WM-Consultancy-JustIcon-wh.png November 15, 2024

The Push For Sustainable Living and Fire Safety

Discover the link between sustainability and fire safety.

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/WM-Consultancy-JustIcon-wh.png climate change October 31, 2024

How Climate Change and Legionella are Intrinsically Linked by Simon Bruce

Discover the link between climate change and legionella.