Falls from height are one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injury in UK workplaces. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place strict duties on employers to plan, supervise, and carry out all work at height safely. If your employer did not comply with these duties, you may have a strong basis for a claim.
Common Causes
- Inadequate or poorly erected scaffolding
- Ladders used where more secure equipment was needed
- Missing or inadequate edge protection or guard rails
- No risk assessment for work at height tasks
- Poorly maintained or unsuitable access equipment
Legal Duties Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005
- Avoid work at height where possible
- Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls
- Where falls cannot be prevented, minimise distance and consequences
- Ensure all equipment is suitable, maintained, and correctly used
Types of Injuries
- Spinal injuries — including paraplegia and tetraplegia
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Internal injuries
- Fatal injuries