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Contents

The profession of rope access technician has developed consi-

derably over the past twenty years. All over the world, men, and

a handful of women

1

, are defying the dizzying heights of urban

infrastructure, ski lifts and civil engineering structures. Others

are plunging into the darkness of industrial silos, tightrope walk-

ing, chainsaw in hand, across the crowns of tall trees, or assem-

bling giant stages at summer festivals where rock stars shine.

These people work at height, f inding themselves daily in dan-

gerous environments, and demand more of their bodies and

vigilance than most other professions. Although they love their

job, rope access technicians know that it is also incredibly de-

manding and dangerous

2

. Around 40% of rope access techni-

cians report having suf fered an occupational injury in the last 12

months of work

3

. Between 2006 and 2024, there were 35 fatal

accidents in a profession that has fewer than 5,000 employees

and 11,000 temporary workers in France

4

.

Scientif ic research into accidents and the working conditions of

rope access technicians is still rare. A team of researchers from

Lyon, commissioned by members of the profession, set out to

collect evidence of the mechanical, physiological and psycho-

logical burdens placed on these professionals in the course of

their work (see following pages). This research follows on from

an initial report on occupational injuries suf fered by rope access

technicians published in 2017, which is still available on our we-

bsite.

The Petzl Foundation helped fund this research and, above all,

disseminate the results in order to improve prevention mes-

sages, training content and how work is organised within com-

panies. By contributing to the production of new knowledge, our

aim is to help reduce accidents and improve working conditions

for rope access workers.

Olivier Moret

General Secretary of the Petzl Foundation

Vertigo

1

Women account for 2 of rope access technicians in France

2

Work at height all sectors combined f ishing and mountain guiding are some

of the most dangerous occupations in France

3

Epidemiological study of injuries among French rope access technicians Bé

nédicte Vignal Bastien Soulé Isabelle Rogowski 2017

wwwpetzlcomfondationsmieuxconnaitreblessurescordiste

4

Cordistes solidaires June 2024

cordistesencolerefr

@ P e t z D s t r b u t o n V u e d co r g A d r e n a n e M a r e d e B o r d e a u x