Here at The Health & Safety Dept we know that one death in the workplace is one too many. The most recent statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are a stark reminder, however, that fatalities do occur. The most recent data shows that 124 workers lost their lives in the UK due to workplace incidents in 2024/25.
The most common cause of death in the workplace has remained the same for nearly every year since 2001/02: falling from height. In 2024/25, 35 people lost their lives by falling from height at work. This was significantly lower than last year (50) and a little lower than the five-year rolling average (38).
Most commonly it affects the construction industry, but gravity is ever present, and so every employer should be aware of this statistic and the potential risk.
Work at Height Regulations 2005
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 pertain to all workers who work at height where there is a risk of a fall and injury. The duty of these regulations is on the employer, self-employed people or anyone that controls the work of others.
The key requirements of the regulations include:
- Carrying out risk assessments.
- Ensuring workers are trained and
- Using the right equipment and maintaining it.
- Supervising work at height to ensure compliance and reduce accidents.
- Additionally, employees have a responsibility to take reasonable care of their own safety and anyone affected by their actions when working at height.
Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
All businesses are legally required to carry out risk assessments. In certain instances, this will include identifying the risks of falls. Whilst many deaths caused by falling from height occur in the construction industry, this is not exclusively so.
Creating RAMS is a robust tool to ensure that high risk tasks are managed to safeguard workers included in any planned work. Employers can be confident that all precautions have been taken to minimise the risks, and they have been communicated with everyone involved.
Scaffolding safety
The HSE has identified that scaffolding safety is paramount in preventing accidents and fatalities from falling from height. Any scaffolding must be designed, installed and inspected by trained and competent workers. Scaffolding should include:
- Guard rails
- Toe boards
- Barriers
Scaffolding should be stable and secure and be able to withstand supporting the intended loads. It is essential that regular inspections be carried out. These should be conducted on installation, every seven days and after any bad weather events such as strong winds.
Anyone using scaffolding should be trained and be regularly updated on safety procedures through toolbox talks or similar.
In the news
How about an example away from construction, demonstrating the wider threat?
In April, a business in Yorkshire was fined over £500,000 after pleading guilty to a health and safety breach. A worker fell just 10ft from a machine and died at the scene, while working a night shift. The HSE had identified that the worker had been trying to clear a blockage from the machine, and there was no safety barrier in place to prevent a fall.
The HSE also raised the issue of lack of training of workers to safely remove blockages. Additionally, the company had not identified that there was a risk of fall from height, so appropriate measures had not been implemented to minimise or remove this risk. Ultimately the HSE found that the business lacked a “robust safe system of work”.
Here to help
When it comes to creating robust safe systems of work, The Health & Safety Dept is here to ensure your business is prepared. We are experts in providing the input your business needs for keeping your staff healthy and safe and safeguarding your workers from risks, including falls from height.
Whether it is reviewing systems already in place, creating RAMS or providing training or toolbox talks, we are just an email or phone call away. We can also assist with accident investigations to avoid further incidents. Our external expert viewpoint will help your business be the safest it can be. Contact us today to get started.
