Working at Height
In 2003/2004 67 people died and nearly 4000 suffered a serious injury in the UK as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to employees, accounting for around 15% of all such injuries. All industry sectors are exposed to the risks presented by this hazard although the level of incidence varies considerably.Many accidents involving falls occur as a result of a failure to do simple things well. It is a marked feature that the greater proportion of fatal and serious falls is where people fall relatively small distances. Ironically, the greater the fall distance the more seriously the hazard is taken and so the better it is managed with a consequently smaller residual risk.
Hazard Guide 6 - Heights