Preventing falls at work

Every month over 300 workers are seriously injured and 3 die as a result of a fall from height. Most of these accidents could have been avoided if simple, sensible measures were put in place.

There will be times when you or your workers are involved in work where there is the risk that someone could fall and injure themselves. This could be something as simple as changing a light bulb or putting up a poster or display. It might be something more complicated, like clearing guttering or machine maintenance. Whatever the activity, thinking about the risk and taking sensible precautions can help prevent an injury.

Before you or one of your employees start a task which involves working at height, look at:

Can the work be done in another way that avoids work at height?

• Are you able you use a long-handled tool or other equipment to carry out the task safely from ground level?
• Can the need to work at height be removed altogether, eg:
  • if stacking goods can you use shelves nearer to ground level
  • where accessing services could the cables/electrical equipment be put at nearer ground level

If you must work at height, what can you do to prevent a fall?

• Is there a safe place that you can do the work from that already has protection in place?
• If you need to use access equipment for the work use the right equipment that will help prevent a worker falling. For example, mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), a tower scaffold or podium steps equipped with guard rails. Speak to your local hire shop, who will be able to advise you on the right equipment to use and how to use it safely.

Using a ladder?

HSE has a simple message for ladder users – If it's right to use a ladder, use the right ladder, use it safely. HSE has a guide  for employers on safe ladder use [444KB].

Further information:

• HSE Falls from Height website