Falls from heightremain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK. On average, 50 workers lose their lives each year due to falls (2024 statistics show an increase), with many more suffering life-changing injuries such as paralysis, brain trauma, and multiple fractures.
- Over 5,000 work at height incidents are reported annually to the HSE.
- Many of these could have been prevented with proper safety measures.
- Falls don’t just impact the worker—they devastate families, colleagues, and businesses.
Every task at height, no matter how routine, carries risks. One mistake, one shortcut, or one missing safety measure can be fatal.
The law is clear: Employers and workers must take all reasonable precautions to prevent falls. Ignoring safety can cost lives.
HSE Prosecution: Roofer Receives Suspended Sentence After a Man Falls 25 Feet
A self-employed roofer has received a suspended prison sentence after a man suffered serious injuries after falling from scaffolding.
The owner was given a 16-week custodial sentence, which will be suspended for a period of 12 months, following an employee falling from a height of more than 25 feet while working for him, on 13 June 2023.
The HSE found that the company had:
- Failed to provide suitable equipment for the task.
- Allowed unsafe work at height without proper planning.
- Neglected to conduct suitable supervision of the task.
The owner pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations. They were sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work in the community at Exeter Magistrates’ Court. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £10,875.
Key Safety Reminders for Working at Height
- Risk Assessments & Planning – Identify and control hazards before starting work.
- Fall Protection – Use harnesses, lanyards, and secure anchor points.
- Proper Training – Ensure workers are competent and receive refresher training.
- Equipment Inspections – Regularly check scaffolding, ladders, and PPE.
- Emergency Planning – Have a rescue plan in case of a fall or equipment failure.
REMEMBER: No job is worth risking your life or the life of an employee!
We are holding a Health and Safety webinar for No Falls Week on Tuesday 13th May at 10:00-11:00 – you can find out more and register your place now here.
