Ad
Thursday, September 25, 2025
18.7 C
London

The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008  U.K. Edition

No Falls Foundation Renews Call to Tackle Falls from Height

- Advertisement -

The No Falls Foundation has renewed its call for urgent industry-wide action to reduce the number of deaths caused by falls from height, following the latest official figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The newly published Work-Related Fatal Injuries in Great Britain report reveals that 35 workers died as a result of falling from height in the past year. While that figure is down from 49 deaths recorded in 2023/24, the charity says the numbers remain unacceptably high.

“Thirty-five people went to work last year and never returned home. That’s 35 too many,” said Hannah Williams, Charity Manager at the No Falls Foundation.

“We cannot accept the previous year’s spike as a benchmark for improvement. Every death is avoidable.”

Falls from height remain top cause of workplace deaths

According to the HSE, falls from height continue to be the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Great Britain, responsible for almost one-third of the 124 fatal injuries reported in 2024/25. This is nearly double the second most common cause – being struck by a moving vehicle.

The report also highlights a shift in the profile of those affected. While fatalities among employees dropped by nearly half (from 23 to 12), deaths among the self-employed now account for two-thirds of all fall from height fatalities, up from just a third in 2021/22.

Underreporting of non-fatal incidents

The Foundation also raised concerns over the underreporting of non-fatal falls. While nearly 5,000 injuries were officially reported in the last year, estimates based on Labour Force Survey data suggest the true figure could be far higher, potentially up to 425,000 incidents over the past decade.

Self-employed workers, in particular, are significantly less likely to report workplace injuries, with data showing they account for just 12% of reported incidents, despite now comprising the majority of fatalities from height.

“Not just statistics”

Williams added: “Over the last five years, 188 people have lost their lives falling from height. In ten years, that number rises to 361 – enough to fill a jumbo jet. These are not just statistics. Each one represents a family, a group of friends, a community left devastated.”

The No Falls Foundation – the UK’s only dedicated charity for those working at height – is urging organisations across all sectors to commit to improving safety and to support No Falls Week, its annual awareness campaign launched in May.

Following a second successful year in 2025, the charity is calling for height safety to remain a year-round priority, not just during the campaign week.

“Organisations can sign up at any time,” said Williams. “We offer a wide range of free, practical resources to help employers and workers understand and mitigate the risks. Everyone deserves to return home safe at the end of their shift.”

For more information or to support the campaign, visit: www.nofallsweek.org/get-involved

- Advertisement -

Popular Categories

Latest Magazine

Most Read This Week

Scaffolding work pipeline shrinks as construction starts drop 22%

Construction project starts have collapsed 22% with contract awards...

Pontefract scaffolding director hit with £100k Covid loan repayment order

A West Yorkshire scaffolding contractor has been ordered to...

AT-PAC accelerates European expansion with strategic German launch

Scaffolding specialist establishes key operations in Germany as part...

Scaffolding industry celebrates at Manchester awards night

The UK scaffolding and access industry gathered in Manchester...

ScaffEx25 sets new attendance record in Manchester

ScaffEx25 has smashed previous records, drawing nearly 2,400 visitors...

Related Articles

Work at Height Charity Aims to Raise Awareness and Prevent Accidents

A prominent work-at-height charity has introduced the pioneering initiative No Falls Week to address one of the most pressing dangers in the workplace.  The campaign, organised by the No Falls Foundation, will occur from May...
- Advertisements -

Latest Topics

Scaffolders voted UK’s toughest trade

Scaffolders have been crowned the UK’s toughest trade by...

Company fined after worker dies in six-foot scaffold fall

A Lancashire sign-fitting company and its director have been...

ScaffEx25 sets new attendance record in Manchester

ScaffEx25 has smashed previous records, drawing nearly 2,400 visitors...

Scaffolding makes historic debut at WorldSkills Ireland 2025

Young scaffolders showcase their expertise as the trade is...
- Advertisement -