In 2003/2004 67 people died and nearly 4000 suffered a serious injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace.  13 of these deaths and 1200 of the injuries were due to falling from a ladder.

Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to employees, accounting for around 15% of all such injuries. All industry sectors are exposed to the risks presented by this hazard and even those falling a short distance (eg from a low step ladder) may suffer a serious injury.

As a result, Falls from Height are a key priority in the Health and Safety Commission Injury Reduction Programme. The objective is to reduce injury rates by 10% by 2010 against a 1999/00 baseline.

Falls from height usually occur as a result of poor management control rather than because of equipment failure.

Common factors include:

Failure to recognise a problem.

Failure to provide safe systems of work.

Failure to ensure that safe systems of work are followed.

Inadequate information, instruction, training or supervision provided.

Failure to use appropriate equipment;

Failure to provide safe plant/equipment.

Key Messages are:

Those following good practice for work at height now should already be doing enough to comply with the Regulations;

Follow the risk assessments you have carried out for work at height activities and make sure all work at height is planned, organised and carried out by competent persons;

Follow the hierarchy for managing risks from work at height - take steps to avoid, prevent or reduce risks;

Choose the right work equipment and select collective measures to prevent falls (such as guardrails and working platforms) before other measures which may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall (such as nets or airbags) or which may only provide personal protection from a fall.