Falls from Height: A Serious Concern in Construction
Posted on 21st October 2024 at 19:52
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the UK workplace.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) falls from a height is the most common kind of fatal accidents for workers, with 50 deaths recorded in 2023/24. This accounts for over 42% of all worker deaths in that period.
The Human and Financial Cost
Beyond the tragic loss of life, falls from height also result in numerous non-fatal injuries each year. The British Safety Council states that HSE statistics published in November 2023 reported that more than 5,000 people in Great Britain were injured at work in 2022/23 due to a fall from height.
These injuries can range from minor bruises to life-altering disabilities, impacting not only the workers themselves but also their families and employers.
The financial implications are equally significant. The construction industry loses millions of pounds annually due to work-related injuries and illnesses, with falls from height contributing substantially to this figure.
Employer Responsibilities

Employers have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their workers when working at height. The objective of The Work at Height Regulations 2005 is to prevent death and injury caused by a fall from height.
Those responsible for overseeing work at height operations, including employers and project managers, have a duty to ensure that all such activities are properly planned, effectively supervised, and executed by individuals with the necessary skills and expertise. This obligation extends to the selection and use of appropriate equipment specifically designed for working at height.
While all work at height requires careful consideration, the level of planning effort can be adjusted according to the task's complexity and risk level. For instance, tasks that are considered low-risk and straightforward in nature may not demand as extensive planning as more complex operations.
However, it's crucial to note that even for simpler tasks, proper planning and risk assessment should never be overlooked. The goal is always to ensure the safety of workers and compliance with relevant regulations, regardless of the perceived simplicity of the task at hand.
The Importance of Training
Proper training is crucial in preventing falls from height. Workers need to understand the risks involved, know how to use safety equipment correctly, and be aware of best practices for working at height safely.
Roofbase Online Work at Height Training Course
Recognising the critical need for comprehensive height safety training, Roofbase Training Academy offers an Online Work at Height Course. This course is designed to equip workers with the knowledge and understanding necessary to work safely at height and comply with relevant regulations.
The course covers essential topics such as:
Legal requirements and responsibilities
Risk assessment for working at height
Selection and use of appropriate access equipment
Safe use of ladders and stepladders
Understanding and implementing fall protection systems
By investing in this training, employers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. More importantly, it can save lives and prevent life-changing injuries.
Conclusion
While working at height remains a necessary part of many construction jobs, the risks associated with it can be substantially mitigated through proper training, equipment, and safety protocols. By prioritising safety and investing in quality training like the Roofbase Online Work at Height Course, we can work towards reducing these tragic statistics and creating a safer working environment for all.
Roofbase Online Training and Virtual Courses
You can see full details of our online training and virtual courses here or email Lesley Hughes, Roofbase Training Manager, for more information.
Tagged as: Falls From Height, Online Training Courses
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