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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
