Many workplace injuries involve ladder accidents, often leading to very serious injuries. Falls from height are one of the most common causes of fatalities in the workplace, accounting for almost a quarter of fatal injuries to workers. Accidentally falling from a height is the second most common cause of catastrophic or fatal injuries after road traffic collisions. A fall of over two feet carries a significant risk that a serious injury will result.
Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that falls from height is the most common cause of fatal injuries in the workplace. There were a total of 37 fatal injuries reported as a result of falling from height in 2017.
There are strict regulations (Work at Height Regulations), which were introduced to protect anyone who has to work at height. Working at height covers anything from working on ladders or scaffolding to standing on a chair in the office. Whilst many falls from height do happen in work environments like the construction industry, they can also occur in a variety of other situations. Retail and catering workers are often required to retrieve items stored at height, unsafe stairs and landings in rented property can result in injury to tenants. Visitors to premises should be kept reasonably safe from danger, including falls from heights.
The risk of serious injury or death occurring from a fall means that the duty of care imposed on those in control of a premises, whether as employers or occupiers, is high – it is not enough to just tell people to ‘be careful’.
We have expertise in ladder accidents and falls from height compensation claims. We offer no win no fee advice and all enquiries are free with no obligation.
