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Working Safely at Height
Falls from Height are the Leading Cause of Workplace Fatalities in the UK.
29 fatalities from falls from height in the UK (2022/23 – HSE)
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in the UK.
Over 5,000 non-fatal injuries annually involve height-related incidents
The HSE's statistics indicate that falls from height account for a notable percentage of non-fatal injuries reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)
Most incidents occur due to poor planning or lack of appropriate equipment
The HSE emphasizes that many incidents involving falls from height result from inadequate planning, supervision, or the use of inappropriate equipment.
Failure to comply with Work at Height Regulations can lead to prosecution
The HSE actively prosecutes organisations that fail to adhere to theregulations, especially when such failures lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Penalties can include substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment for responsible individuals.
Responsibility Starts at the Top
Working at height carries serious risks, but safety isn’t just the worker’s responsibility. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, everyone involved—from building owners to facility managers and subcontractors—shares a legal duty to plan, supervise, and carry out work in a way that prevents falls and protects those at risk.
Compliance starts with design and planning, not just PPE and signage. Employers must ensure safe access, proper training, and reliable fall protection systems. By recognising that safety is a collective responsibility, organisations can create safer environments, reduce liability, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting lives at every level.
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What Can I Do?
Building Owners
Building owners are responsible for ensuring that permanent fall protection systems are properly designed and installed wherever there is a foreseeable risk of working at height.
They must also provide safe access for essential maintenance or inspection work and regularly commission system reviews to stay aligned with current regulations and best practices.
Failing to meet these responsibilities can lead to serious legal, financial, and safety consequences. Proactive management helps safeguard workers, reduce liability, and ensure long-term system reliability and compliance.
Facility Managers
Facility managers, or designated duty holders, are tasked with the ongoing maintenance and inspection of fall protection systems in line with manufacturer guidance and British Standards such as BS 7883 and other relevant regulations.
They must keep accurate, detailed records of all inspections, servicing, remedial works, and certifications, and work only with competent, qualified providers to ensure continued safety, legal compliance, and operational reliability across all assets.
Contractors
Contractors and operatives working at height have a duty to use only the approved methods of access and equipment provided. Before beginning work, they should carry out a full risk assessment and prepare a method statement (RAMS).
If conditions are unsafe or equipment is missing or defective, they must refuse to begin work until those issues are resolved.
Clear communication and reporting procedures should be in place to escalate safety concerns quickly. Empowering workers to speak up fosters a proactive safety culture and helps prevent avoidable incidents.
All Operatives and Site Staff
Everyone working on site has a role to play in maintaining a safe working environment. This includes staying alert to potential hazards, reporting safety concerns without delay, and refusing to work in unsafe conditions—a right that is legally protected.
Promoting a shared culture of accountability is essential to keeping everyone safe at height.
Regular toolbox talks, safety briefings, and peer support reinforce this culture, encouraging continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and a strong sense of individual and collective responsibility across the site.
The Cost of Ignoring Height Safety
Working at height is one of the most dangerous activities in construction and facilities management—and the consequences of getting it wrong are devastating. Failing to implement proper fall protection doesn’t just break the law—it breaks lives, reputations, and businesses.
Take action before it becomes a problem. Explore how to stay compliant and reduce risk.
