Accidents and Injuries Resulting in a Fall from a Height at Work – What’s Your Next Move?

 

Statistically, whilst falls from a height are not the most common non-fatal injury at work, these accidents result in an average of 9.1 working days lost per person; or 8% of the total number of non-fatal injuries in 2019/20, according to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). 

 

When it comes to fatal injuries at work caused by falling from a height, the statistics make very sad reading; of the 111 fatalities in 2019/20, 29 of them (26.2%) were caused by a fall from a height. It is the biggest cause of deaths in the workplace in the UK. 

 

The majority of workplace injuries involving falls from a height originate in the construction industry. Indeed, the HSE report concluded that working at a height was the most dangerous activity within construction in 2019/20. 

 

 

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 was introduced to protect employees at work and prevent injury or death caused by falling from a height. Whilst the onus is on employers to ensure that any work to be done at height has been risk assessed, employees also have a responsibility to take reasonable care. 

 

For employers, or their representatives on site, they must ensure: 

 

● The work has been planned, is supervised at all times and conducted by people that are experienced and competent in the work 

● The right type of equipment for the job working at height is provided and in good order 

● That all the necessary risk assessments have been carried out 

● That the equipment and the surfaces for height at work jobs are well-maintained and managed. 

 

For employees, they must: 

 

● Take reasonable care of themselves and others they are working at height with, as well as those directly and indirectly affected by their actions 

● Work with their employer, or their representatives, to ensure all health and safety duties and requirements are complied with at all times 

● Report any safety hazard they identify 

● Ensure they are trained to use the equipment supplied and in accordance with instructions. 

 

 

Suffering from any injury in a workplace has a significant impact. Being the victim of a serious injury following a fall from a height, or the family of a person who has died following a fall, has a devastating effect on those involved. 

 

If your employer’s negligence resulted in the fall from height at work in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 or the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA), you may, or your family may, be in a position to claim personal injury compensation from the employer. 

 

The most common reasons for negligence are insufficient planning and supervision for work at height jobs, lack of a full and thorough risk assessment being carried out, equipment or work at height surfaces not being well-maintained and of a high enough standard, as well as not ensuring the employees using the equipment are trained to the right level. 

 

At DSM Legal, we handle a wide variety of accident and serious injury claims at work, including falls from scaffolding and ladders whilst working at height. We work on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, ensuring the entire process of a compensation claim is risk-free, and will not cost you anything if you lose. If you’ve had a fall from a height at work which has been life-changing and left you unable to work, contact us today to see how we can help with your compensation claim.