Orbit has launched its RoSPA-approved ‘Safer by Design’ framework aimed at reducing serious accidental injury in new-build homes.
The framework was unveiled at Orbit’s Mill View development in Dereham, Norfolk, by Orbit group director Helen Moore and RoSPA’s (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) CEO Errol Taylor.
It focuses on the most common hazards, including falls, burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and poisoning from household chemicals.
In January, Orbit became the first affordable housing provider to adopt framework for all future new-build homes, and in July, Orbit was awarded two gold health and safety awards from RoSPA for third year in a row.
Helen Moore, group director at Orbit, said: “RoSPA’s Safer by Design standards go above and beyond building regulations, and as the first affordable housing provider to adopt this framework, we are proud that Orbit is leading the sector on building safety.
“Many accidents can be avoided through simple and low-cost design changes, which make the home physically safer by eradicating risks.
“I am delighted to say that the Safer by Design framework has already been embedded within our design standards at Mill View in Dereham, and I am pleased to be able to showcase our strong commitment to the safety of our customers.
“From next year, all of our new-build homes will be built to Safer by Design Gold Standard, ensuring that our homes are amongst the safest on the market and meet the current and future needs of our residents.”
Read more about Orbit:
- Orbit becomes first social landlord to have new-home designs approved by RoSPA
- Orbit receives £50k National Lottery funding to support customers’ mental health
- Orbit agrees six land deals in three months
Errol Taylor, CEO of RoSPA, added: “RoSPA and Orbit share a vision for the homes of the future- they should be safer places to live, work and play in.
“Here in the heart of Norfolk, at Orbit’s Mill View development, you can see that vision take shape in bricks and mortar.
“Every year more than 6,000 people are killed as a result of a home accident- many of which, such as falls on stairs, are preventable.
“I hope to see more housing providers, follow Orbit’s lead and adopt the recommendations of RoSPA’s Safer by Design framework to make new build homes safer.”
The development offers two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.
Read next: L&Q completes offsite timber-framed housing development in Warwickshire
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