Working at height blog

Why Every Fall from Height in the UK Matters

Written by Emily Patrick | Jul 29, 2025

Every morning, millions of people across Great Britain leave their homes, expecting to return safely at the end of the day. But in 2024/25, 124 families faced a devastating reality that their loved ones will never came back.

The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show a drop in work-related fatalities from 138 to 124. While this marks a statistical improvement, we must ask is it truly enough?

πŸ‘‰ Read more: HSE statistics for 2023/24

As the  No Falls Foundation rightly points out, a high number of deaths last year should not become our benchmark for success. Behind each number is a person, a family, and a story that did not need to end the way it did.

One life lost at work is one too many. We must do more.

 

πŸ“Š Workplace Fatality Statistics UK: Key Causes

The five main causes of fatal injuries  and the number of fatalities at work in 2024/25 were:

  • Falls from a height: 35 
  • Struck by a moving object: 18
  • Trapped by something collapsing/overturning: 17
  • Struck by moving vehicle: 14
  • Contact with moving machinery: 13

πŸ’‘ Falls from height remain the biggest killer in UK workplaces.


🏭 Industries with the Highest Workplace Fatalities

Some sectors remain consistently high-risk:

  • Construction: 35 

  • Agriculture, forestry & fishing: 23 

  • Transport & storage: 15 

  • Manufacturing: 11 

  • Waste & recycling: 3

 

πŸ‘₯ Who Is Most Affected?

  • Older workers (60 and over): 49 deaths

  • Workers aged 16 to 59: 71 deaths

 

🚨 The Real Cost of Falls from Height

Over the past decade, 361 workers in the UK have died from falls from height, which is more than enough to fill a jumbo jet. But the cost of these accidents goes far beyond the numbers:

  • Emotional trauma for families and colleagues

  • Financial hardship due to lost income and legal costs

  • Operational disruption and even business closure

 

πŸ› οΈ How HLS Supports Safe Working at Height

At HLS, we believe every worker has the right to feel safe, supported, and heard, especially when working at height. We help businesses implement safety into their day-to-day operations, not just their paperwork. Our services include:

 

βœ… Risk Assessments & Site Surveys:

Prevention starts with understanding risk. We assess your work environment, identify potential hazards, and offer actionable recommendations for a safer site.

πŸ‘‰ Find out: How to conduct a Risk Assessment 

πŸ‘‰ Learn more: What is a Rescue Plan?

 

βœ… Right Equipment, Right Job:

Whether you need a boom lift, cherry picker, scissor lift, or a bespoke platform, we’re here to help you choose the most suitable equipment for your working-at-height tasks. From powered and non-powered access platforms to materials handling and floor care equipment, we ensure you get the right tools for the job

πŸ‘‰ Learn more: What is a MEWP?

 

βœ… Work at height training (IPAF and HLS In-house)

Knowledge saves lives. Our work at height training ensures your team knows the risks, understands best practices, and feels confident working safely, even in challenging conditions.

  • MEWP Operator training
  • MEWPs for Managers
  • Harness Awareness and Harness User Training
  • Forklift truck training
  • Powered pallet truck
  • Steps and ladders training

πŸ‘‰ Explore: Different types of training that we offer

πŸ‘‰ Have a training requirement, complete our enquiry form

 

βœ… Ongoing Support

Our team is here to answer your questions, support your safety goals, and help you implement a health and safety culture.

 

πŸ“£Do not wait for a near miss. Take action today!

When it comes to working at height, proactive safety saves lives. Contact the HLS team today to:

πŸ“ž Contact HLS

Email: hello@hls.co
Phone: +44 (0)113 524 1018
Contact Form: Complete your enquiry here

 

Sources:

  • https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/fatalinjuries.pdf 
  • https://nofallsfoundation.org/index.php/2025/07/04/no-falls-foundation-renews-call-on-industry-to-reduce-workplace-fall-from-height-deaths/