Health and Safety Executive

Falls and trips in construction are no laughing matter

HSE/E/20/07 10 July 2007

The latest injury statistics show that 40% of all worker deaths in construction are caused by a fall from height and in the last 5 years there have been 13 such deaths involving construction workers in the Eastern Region. In addition, hundreds of major injuries have involved a fall from below head height or tripping over materials on walkways. 

In a bid to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by falls and trips the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be carrying out targeted inspections of construction sites throughout Bed, Bucks, Herts and Cambs during July. During the visits inspectors will provide advice and will take robust enforcement action where there is a serious failure to comply and control the risk to those working on site.

HSE inspectors will focus on making sure the correct precautions are taken during work at low and high heights to prevent the risk of a fall. They will also be checking that sites are kept in good order. Employers must ensure that workers are competent and have access to the right equipment. Sensible measures like keeping walkways on site clear must be taken to see an improvement in safety.

The HSE website contains guidance material on falls and good order prepared specifically to help duty holders take action to deal with these issue.

Note to editors

  1. Trips and falls in construction 2007, continues HSE's enforcement led inspection activity and follows on from the Fit Out Campaign in 2005 and the Watch Your Step initiative in 2006.
  2. Reducing the number of injuries and deaths from trips and falls is a priority for HSE to help the construction industry meet its accident target by 2010. HSC published its Strategy for workplace health and safety in Great Britain to 2010 and beyond on 23 February 2004. The strategy aims to promote a vision of health and safety as a cornerstone of a civilised society and to achieve a record of workplace health and safety that leads the world. The strategy is available at: hse.gov.uk/aboutus/strategiesandplans/strategy.htm
  3. During this inspection period and to coincide with HSE's 'Ladders Exchange' initiative, HSE is working in partnership with ladder retailers and equipment hire companies to offer a ladder exchange facility. Information is available at hse.gov.uk/falls/ladderexchange.htm

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate regional COI press office.

Issued on behalf of HSE by Government News Network East.

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Updated 13.01.12