Falls From Height Week 2025 is a national campaign dedicated to highlighting the dangers of working at height and promoting best practices to prevent accidents.
Organised by the Access Industry Forum (AIF) and supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), this week-long initiative aims to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities associated with falls from height in the workplace.
The initiative runs from the 12th to the 16th of May.
The Stark Reality: Falls From Height in the UK
Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK. In the 2023/24 period, 50 workers lost their lives due to falls from height, accounting for 36% of all work-related deaths . Additionally, there were approximately 37,000 self-reported non-fatal injuries resulting from falls from height, leading to an estimated 688,000 working days lost
These statistics underscore the critical need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of workers operating at height.
Working at Height Regulations
The primary legislation governing work at height in the UK is the Work at Height Regulations 2005. These regulations apply to all work where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. Key requirements include:
- Planning and Organisation: All work at height must be properly planned, supervised, and carried out in a safe manner.
- Risk Assessment: Employers must assess the risks associated with working at height and implement appropriate measures to mitigate them.
- Competence: Those involved in work at height must be competent, or if being trained, supervised by a competent person.
- Equipment: Employers must ensure that the equipment used for work at height is suitable, stable, and maintained in good condition.
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Avoidance: Where possible, employers should avoid work at height. If unavoidable, they must prevent falls and, where that is not reasonably practicable, minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.
Practical Tips to Minimise Risks
To enhance safety when working at height, consider the following best practices:
1. Conduct Thorough Risk Assessments
Before commencing any task at height, perform a detailed risk assessment to identify potential hazards and determine the necessary control measures.
2. Use the Right Equipment
Select appropriate equipment for the task, such as scaffolds, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), or ladders. Ensure all equipment is inspected regularly and maintained properly.
3. Implement Fall Protection Systems
Utilise collective protection measures like guardrails and toe boards. Where individual protection is necessary, use safety harnesses and fall arrest systems.
4. Provide Adequate Training
Ensure all workers are trained in the safe use of equipment and understand the risks associated with working at height. Regular refresher courses can help maintain high safety standards.
5. Establish Emergency Procedures
Develop and communicate clear rescue plans in case of an incident. Quick and effective response can significantly reduce the severity of injuries.
The Role of Employers and Employees
Both employers and employees have responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Employers must provide a safe working environment, appropriate equipment, and training. Employees, on the other hand, must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others, using equipment properly and following safety procedures.
Conclusion
Falls From Height Week 2025 serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety in the workplace, especially when working at height. By adhering to regulations, conducting thorough risk assessments, using appropriate equipment, and fostering a culture of safety, we can work towards reducing the number of accidents and fatalities.
Let's commit to making every week a Falls From Height Week by prioritising safety and protecting the lives of workers across the UK.