More people are being killed at work now after suffering a fall from height than in the last 17 years, according to the latest figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The Access Industry Forum (AIF), who represent the principal work at height trade associations and federations, reports that just-released HSE statistics on work-related fatal injuries show that shockingly, 50 workers died due to a fall from height in 2023/24 in Great Britain – an increase of 22% from 2022/23 which saw 41 deaths1.
The last time the number of fatal falls from height was greater, was back in 2007/08 when the figure was 582. Since then, the number of fall from height fatalities has shown no improvement, seemingly reducing for a year or two, only for the number to sadly rise again. The 2023/24 figure for fatal falls from height now sits at an unacceptable 35% above the 5-year average of 371.
Despite advances in height safety, ongoing campaigning and increasing awareness of the risks of working at height, falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Great Britain, accounting for 36% of the 138 fatalities last year. Even more concerning is that the proportion of falls from height has continued to increase over recent years (25% in 2021/22, rising to 30% in 2022/23)1.
While there has been a worrying increase of fatalities to workers over the last 10 years (369 people have died since 2014, enough to fill a jumbo jet), of particular concern is the 44% increase in fall from height fatalities for the self-employed since last year (18 deaths in 2022/23 rising to 26 deaths in 2023/24)1. This is the first time in 5 years that the number of fatal injuries to the self-employed exceeds those of employees, and the highest number of self-employed fatalities in over 20 years2.
We must ask ourselves why. Research undertaken previously by the AIF found that limited data collected on the circumstances surrounding accidents, coupled with a problematic reporting system, make it difficult to pinpoint the underlying causes of falls from height and identify whether they are related to issues such as faulty equipment, lack of training, or negligence.
The AIF is therefore renewing its call for a simplified system of reporting to more accurately reflect the cause of workplace accidents so that informed, preventative measures can be implemented to address the cause of fall from height incidents.
Peter Bennett OBE, Chair of the AIF and No Falls Foundation, the only charity in the UK dedicated to preventing falls from height and supporting those affected by falls from height, said: “The latest HSE fatal injury figures paint an overwhelmingly bleak picture. It’s clear something isn’t working. Most falls from height are avoidable, but only if we can understand what’s causing them in the first place.
“Very little information is provided on the circumstance around fatal (and non-fatal) incidents, with current reporting focused on the type of incident as opposed to what caused it in the first place. This needs to change if we are to tackle the worsening issue of workers being killed, and the number of people who suffer the life-changing consequences of a fall from height.
“In our Manifesto, supported by the No Falls Foundation, our clear ask of the next government is to introduce a simple, more effective system of accident reporting so that we can identify and tackle the root causes of falls from height. We’re also asking MPs to show their commitment to preventing falls from height by pledging their support for the re-establishment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Working at Height and its important role in progressing our manifesto.
“We know that working at height can be dangerous, but we should be able to put appropriate and robust measures in place to make it safer. Too many people are being killed at work after falling from height. It’s unacceptable and now more than ever, it’s time for change.”
Sources:
1 Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain, 2024 – https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/fatalinjuries.pdf
2 Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Lorraine Brown, Access Industry Forum
lorraine.brown@accessindustryforum.org.uk
Notes to Editors
About the Access Industry Forum
Established in 2004, the Access Industry Forum (AIF) is the not-for-profit forum for the ten principal trade associations and federations involved in work at height.
Each AIF member organisation represents a different sector of the access industry and are recognised leaders and authorities in their respective fields. Together we support codes of good practice, equipment standards, training, education and knowledge, with our guidance trusted by Government and Regulators.
We want everyone to work safely and competently at height, using appropriate equipment, with all workers professionally trained to industry-recognised standards.
The AIF actively supports the work of the APPG on Working at Height, which brings together MPs and stakeholders from across industry and its re-establishment is vital in our campaign for simplified reporting.
Further information accessindustryforum.org.uk
About the No Falls Foundation
The No Falls Foundation is the charity devoted exclusively to the work at height sector. The Foundation is dedicated to preventing falls from height and helping people affected by the life-changing consequences of a fall.
The No Falls Foundation, in partnership with stakeholders such as the Access Industry Forum, other trade associations, professional bodies and organisations who are committed to preventing falls from height, has three distinct objectives:
- Education: Raising awareness of the risks of working at height and the promotion of safe working at height
- Research: Research into the causes of falls from height and how to prevent them
- Support: Providing help and support to those who have been affected by a fall from height.
Get involved and support No Falls Week, the Foundation’s annual safe work at height campaign, which takes place 12-16 May 2025.
Further information nofallsfoundation.org or nofallsweek.org
