The Health and Safety Executive recently published statistics which indicate that falls from heights were the most common work-related accident leading to fatalities. During 2023/2024, 50 deaths were directly attributable to falls from height. Falls can occur roofs, ladders, scaffolding and other mobile equipment work platforms (MEWPS). Although the Health and Safey at Work Act 1974 is the generic law dealing with safety at work, The Work at Heights Regulations 2005 is the more specific legislation. They place a duty on employers and those in control to try to avoid working at heights. If this cannot be prevented, to ensure the works are suitably planned and assessed with appropriate control measure in place to minimise the risks of falls and accidents.
What is ‘Working at Heights’?
Working at heights means “work in any place where, if precautions are not in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause a personal injury”. Ridiculous as it may sound, working a few inches up from the ground can cause injuries – for example stepping down from a ladder onto the floor could cause the ankle to twist and sprain it.
What Am I Required To Do?
Before attempting any work, assess and control the risks. Avoid working at height wherever possible. If this cannot be avoided, then to take all reasonably practicable steps to prevents falls and injuries. Consideration should be taken of the height, the nature of the work, condition of the surface being worked on, the likely duration of the works and the necessary safety steps.
- Wherever possible, try to do as much work as possible on the ground.
- If working at height cannot be avoided, businesses and employers must ensure that the works;
- Are fully assessed and planned,
- Only trained and competent people carry out the work,
- Only use the right and suitable equipment, which has been checked,
- Provide safety equipment,
- Ensure staff are trained on the proper/safe use of the equipment.
What Steps Can I Take To Prevent Falls and Injuries?
Try to avoid working at heights wherever possible. If this cannot be avoided, then try to do as much work as possible on the ground. Then assess and plan the works. Provide;
- Collective safety equipment – such as safety nets, guardrails, MEWPS and tower scaffolds.
- Personal protection equipment. This is equipment that an individual has to activate to use safely – for example a safety harness, energy absorbing lanyard connected to a suitable anchor point.
- Ensure workers are trained to check the safety and use of ladders.
- Ensure ladders are suitable and placed on a dry and flat surface. Do not overload nor overreach whilst using ladders. Ladders should be secured against a solid anchor point.
- Where scaffolding is used, ensure toe boards are in place to prevent falling tools/objects.
With a little thought and planning, the risk of falls and injuries can be minimised. Although not preventable, employers can take simple and reasonable precautions to ensure workers are safe. Failings can have tragic consequences, leading to criminal investigations, fines and civil personal injury claims. Additionally, the impact of publicity and insurance implications can be damaging. Employers are advised to contact the Helpline on 01455 852 028 to ensure you remain compliant, and your workers are safe.
