Fatal falls from height increased in 2023/24
The latest annual figures published by the HSE revealed that falls from a height remain the leading cause of workplace fatality in Great Britain. During 2023/24, 50 fatal injuries occurred due to falls from height, accounting for 36% of all worker deaths. This shows an increase of 22% from the previous year and puts the 2023/24 figure at 35% above the 5-year average.
Rates in self-employed workers rose by 44% since last year, with 26 deaths in 2023/24 compared to 18 in 2022/23. The number of self-employed people who suffered fatal fall injuries at work now surpasses employees, with self-employed workers making up 52%.
These figures are a stark reminder of how important it is to manage fall risks effectively. Safe work at height involves careful planning, training, and specialist equipment to keep people safe, plus regular inspection and maintenance to ensure equipment remains in good condition.
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Planning
Before beginning any work at height, it is crucial to plan for the job. This involves carrying out a risk assessment to identify all the hazards presented. Details such as the free space below the fall hazard, presence of sharp edges, and suitability needs for the wearer are important to consider when selecting equipment.
Planning for work at height should follow the hierarchy of control, aiming to eliminate or minimise risks before relying on a fall arrest system.
-??????? Avoid – First consider whether the task can be done safely from the ground.
-??????? Prevent – Using a safe place to work from – e.g. a mobile elevating work platform – or restraint equipment can prevent a fall from occurring.
-??????? Minimise – If the fall risk remains, minimise the distance and/or consequences of the fall using work equipment or PFPE (personal fall protection equipment).
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Training
Regular training is vital to ensure all workers understand how to work safely at height and use fall protection equipment correctly. Work at height training also covers upkeep and inspection of PFPE. Frequency of training may depend on the job role, with those who work at more extreme heights or in more dangerous applications requiring training more often.
Different courses are available to cover various aspects of height safety. Height safety training courses cover planning and managing work at height, rescue, and equipment inspection.
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Fall protection equipment
Work at height requires specialist equipment to keep workers safe. PFPE can be set up in different ways depending on the task. The free space available beneath the wearer and presence of any sharp edges will also factor into equipment selection.
Fall protection systems can be set up in a number of ways:
Work restraint – A work restraint system uses PFPE to prevent the wearer from reaching zones that present a fall risk. The lanyard is set up to physically stop the wearer before they can reach a fall edge. This eliminates the hazard and should be selected over a fall arrest system wherever possible.
Work positioning – A work positioning system enables a person to work supported by PFPE in tension, preventing a free fall. The work positioning device can entirely support the wearer or provide partial support in conjunction with other equipment.
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Fall arrest – A fall arrest system is designed to arrest a fall if it occurs. The equipment absorbs energy and applies deceleration through a specified arrest distance, limiting the wearer’s risk of serious injury. Where possible, a work restraint system is preferable to eliminate the fall risk altogether.
Rope access – This is a form of work positioning derived from techniques used in climbing and caving. Rope access technicians descend, ascend and traverse ropes for access and work whilst suspended in their harness. The support of the rope is intended to eliminate the fall risk, but a fall arrest system should always be used in conjunction as a redundancy system – this can be achieved using two ropes, a movement line and a safety line.
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When selecting equipment, you need to assess the free space beneath a fall hazard. There must be enough space to prevent the wearer reaching the ground or another structure in the event of a fall.
The amount of clearance required depends on the type of equipment and its length. In every circumstance, the height of the wearer and recommended safety clearance must be factored in. The anchor point position is also important as this affects potential fall distance and determines the fall factor.
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Sharp edges can pose a risk of cutting the connection and causing the fall protection system to fail. VG11 RFU PPE-R/11.060 outlines optional tests for self-retractable lifelines. Products are tested whilst loaded over a sharp edge to ensure safety in the event of a fall.
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Inspection and maintenance
Regular inspection is essential to ensure fall protection equipment is maintained in good working order. Height safety standards include a requirement for periodic examination, which must be carried out at regular intervals, often once a year.
Pre-use checks are required each time equipment is used, to make sure products are in good working order and free from damage. Mechanical devices have additional requirements for servicing, which must be carried out by properly trained agents who have been authorised by the equipment manufacturer.
All height safety equipment has a shelf and working life that must not be exceeded.
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Working at height carries a high degree of risk. This year’s annual HSE statistics show that falling from a height remains the greatest threat to workers in Great Britain, with risks to both employees and self-employed workers having increased in recent years.
To protect people who work at height, jobs need to be carried out safely. Careful planning, aiming to avoid or prevent fall hazards wherever possible, along with thorough training helps to mitigate fall risks. Equipment selection should consider available clearance, sharp edge hazards and suitability for the task, with a procedure for inspection and maintenance in place to ensure ongoing compliance.
JSP offer a wide range of height safety and rescue equipment, backed up by full technical support and expert-led training courses. Find out more about height safety equipment here.