Knowledge

Working from Height

In 2008/09 falls from height accounted for 35 fatalities at work and 4654 major injuries (HSE figures). They remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury. Working from height takes place in many varied environments and for a variety of reasons. The Work at Height Regulations state that “you must do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent anyone falling”; avoid working at height where possible; use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls; and, where working from height cannot be avoided and where risk cannot be eliminated, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of any fall.

Why is it so important?

Falls from height are a major cause of injuries at work. In many cases, work at height is a ‘one off’, or incidental to the main job to be done. This means that people often do not recognise the risks and so do not take the precautions they need to, to work safely. Falling from height is the most common cause of workplace deaths.

Whereas some work at height (gutter cleaning, roof work, window cleaning) is obvious, other tasks, such as putting up displays, machine maintenance and unloading vehicles may also need consideration.

 

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