Falls from height at work: How employers can protect their employees
Falls from height remain one of the most serious causes of workplace accidents in the UK, and it’s devastating to hear that many are preventable. A fall can happen in seconds but leave someone facing months of rehabilitation or life-changing injuries.
These types of workplace accidents are usually associated with manual roles such as construction, warehouse workers, factories or maintenance jobs, but any task requiring a worker operating at height carries significant risks.
While some jobs inevitably involve working at height, employers have a responsibility to identify potential hazards and put appropriate safety measures in place to protect their workforce.
So, what causes falls from height at work, what should employers be doing to prevent them and what happens if someone is injured because proper safety measures have not been followed?
Working at height
Working at height does not simply mean working on a roof or several floors above the ground. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, it includes any situation where someone could fall a distance that is likely to cause personal injury.
This could include:
· Working on ladders or stepladders
· Carrying out repairs or maintenance on roofs
· Working on scaffolding or raised platforms
· Using mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs)
· Working near unprotected edges or openings in floors
· Accessing storage areas at height
· Working on fragile surfaces, such as roof lights or deteriorating roofing materials
Importantly, there is no minimum height below which employers can ignore the risks. Even a fall from a relatively low platform or ladder can result in serious injuries.
What causes falls from height in the workplace?
There are several reasons why falls from height happen. In many cases, accidents occur because of inadequate planning from the employee’s company. They may have been issued with unsuitable equipment or the employer has failure to recognise potential hazards.
Some common causes include:
Unsafe ladders and scaffolding: Using damaged ladders, incorrectly assembled scaffolding or equipment that is unsuitable for the task can put workers at serious risk.
Lack of edge protection: Working on roofs, platforms or elevated walkways without suitable guardrails or barriers can result in workers falling from exposed edges.
Fragile surfaces: Workers may not realise that a roof or surface cannot support their weight. Falling through fragile roofing materials or roof lights can have devastating consequences.
Poor housekeeping: Loose materials, trailing cables and obstructions can create additional hazards, particularly when workers are moving around elevated platforms.
Adverse weather: Rain, ice and strong winds can make working at height dangerous. Wet or slippery surfaces increase the risk of losing footing.
Inadequate training and supervision: Employees who have not received appropriate training may not understand the risks or know how to use access equipment safely.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) highlights the importance of addressing workplace hazards such as poor lighting, unsuitable flooring and obstructions. Although these are often associated with slips and trips, they can also contribute to accidents involving workers accessing or moving around elevated areas.
What are employers’ responsibilities for working at height?
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place clear responsibilities on employers to protect people working at height. These requirements apply across industries and are not limited to construction companies.
Employers must ensure that work at height is properly planned and supervised. It must also be carried out by people with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience.
A key part of these responsibilities is following a hierarchy of safety measures.
1. Avoid working at height wherever possible
Employers should first consider if the job can be completed safely from ground level. For example, using extendable equipment to carry out maintenance or cleaning work could remove the need for someone to climb a ladder.
2. Prevent falls where working at height is unavoidable
If the work cannot be completed from ground level, employers should use suitable equipment and safety measures to prevent falls. This could include properly erected scaffolding, guarded working platforms or suitable edge protection.
Measures that protect everyone working in an area should be considered before relying on equipment that only protects an individual.
3. Minimise the consequences of a fall
If the risk cannot be completely removed, employers must take steps to reduce the distance someone could fall and the potential severity of their injuries. This may involve safety nets, suitable fall arrest systems or other protective equipment.
Providing workers with a safety harness is not enough if the equipment is unsuitable or employees have not been trained to use it correctly.
How can employers prevent falls from height?
Taking a proactive approach to workplace safety can significantly reduce the risk of serious accidents.
Here are some important steps employers should take:
Carry out regular risk assessments
Every task involving working at height should be properly assessed. Employers need to identify potential hazards and consider who could be affected. Assessments should be reviewed when working conditions change or new equipment and processes are introduced.
Provide suitable equipment
Ladders, scaffolding and access platforms must be appropriate for the job. Equipment should be checked regularly to make sure it is safe to use and properly maintained. Damaged or defective equipment should be taken out of use.
Make sure employees are properly trained
Workers should understand the risks associated with their jobs and know how to use equipment safely. Training should cover the correct use of ladders, harnesses and other protective equipment where relevant.
Inspect working areas
Employers should regularly check roofs, platforms, walkways and access points for potential hazards. Particular attention should be given to fragile surfaces and unprotected edges.
Consider environmental conditions
Weather can have a significant impact on workplace safety. Employers should have procedures in place to stop or postpone work if conditions become dangerous.
Provide adequate supervision
It is important that safe working procedures are followed in practice, not just included in a health and safety policy. Supervisors should make sure workers have the right equipment and are following agreed safety measures.
Employees should also be encouraged to report hazards and near misses. These can provide valuable information about problems that need addressing before someone suffers a serious injury.
What injuries can result from a fall from height?
The consequences of a workplace fall can be devastating. Even when someone survives the initial accident, they may face a long period of treatment and rehabilitation.
Common injuries include:
· Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
· Spinal injuries and paralysis
· Broken bones and multiple fractures
· Pelvic and hip injuries
· Internal injuries and organ damage
· Long-term mobility problems and chronic pain
Serious injuries can affect every aspect of someone’s life. They may be unable to return to their previous job or need ongoing care and support. The psychological impact can also be considerable, with some people experiencing anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress following an accident.
The effects are not limited to the injured person. Families may suddenly find themselves providing care or adapting to a completely different way of life.
The real impact of serious workplace injuries
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) recently highlighted these consequences through its Rebuilding Shattered Lives campaign. Its latest film, Chris’s Story, features a father of two who sustained serious head and spinal injuries in a workplace accident.
The film shows how the accident affected Chris and his family, highlighting the importance of legal support, rehabilitation and financial compensation in helping people rebuild their lives.
Although Chris continues to live with the consequences of his injuries, access to rehabilitation and specialist counselling has helped him get back on track.
His story is a reminder that serious workplace accidents are about much more than the immediate physical injuries. The right support can make a significant difference to someone’s recovery and their future. You can find out more about the campaign and watch Chris’s Story at Rebuilding Shattered Lives.
Can I claim compensation after a fall from height at work?
If you have suffered an injury after falling from height at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
Employers have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to provide a safe working environment. If they have failed to meet their responsibilities, resulting in an accident, they could be held liable.
For example, you may have grounds to make a claim if your employer:
· Failed to carry out an appropriate risk assessment
· Provided defective or unsuitable access equipment
· Failed to install suitable guardrails or fall protection
· Did not provide adequate training or supervision
· Allowed employees to work on unsafe or fragile surfaces without appropriate precautions
Every case is different, and an accident does not automatically mean an employer is legally responsible. The circumstances need to be investigated to establish how the accident happened and who was at fault.
A successful personal injury claim may provide compensation for pain and suffering, loss of earnings and other financial losses resulting from the injury. Depending on the circumstances, it may also help fund rehabilitation and ongoing care.
How NV Legal can help after a workplace fall
If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury following a fall from height at work, getting the right legal advice can make an important difference.
Our experienced personal injury solicitors understand the physical, emotional and financial impact that a serious workplace accident can have.
We offer a free initial consultation and operate on a no-win, no-fee basis. Your case will be handled by a qualified solicitor from day one, giving you direct access to experienced legal support.
We work with clients nationwide and can help investigate workplace accidents, establish who was responsible and pursue the compensation and rehabilitation support they may be entitled to.
About NV Legal
We pride ourselves on our personal, hands-on approach. When you work with us, you won’t be passed between departments or left chasing updates. You’ll deal directly with one of our experienced solicitors, who will manage your claim and recovery pathway from start to finish.
If you need support, get in touch. It is not just about the claim; it is about helping you recover.
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