Introduction: Why this guide matters more than ever
Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK. The recently released HSE statistics for 2024/2025, published in July, revealed that 35 people died following a fall from height at work. While this marks a reduction from the 50 deaths recorded in 2023/2024, the No Falls Foundation stresses that last year’s shockingly high figure should not become the benchmark for progress. Thirty-five lives lost is still 35 too many.
Too many people are still being killed due to preventable incidents while working at height. That is why the HLS Expert Guide is here to support and equip employers, site managers, and safety professionals with current regulations, practical advice, and proven solutions to improve safety, reduce risks, and protect lives. As the No Falls Foundation urges, height safety must be a priority every week of the year, not just during No Falls Week.
In this blog, we will summarise the HSE fall-from-height statistics (2023/2024), and the key topics covered in the HLS Working at Height Expert Guide, including risk assessment, rescue planning, and equipment selection.
What is included in the HLS Expert Guide?
The 2025 edition covers key areas essential for site safety and compliance:
1. Meet HLS: Experts in Working at Height Solutions
HLS has over three decades of experience delivering trusted working-at-height, materials handling, and floor care solutions. Our team consists of friendly customer service, sales, and technical experts with a wide range of qualifications, expertise and experience all passionate about support you keeping people safe and productive.
Our services include:
- A range of equipment
- Purchase, contract rental and hire support
- Preventative maintenance & repair
- Risk assessments and site surveys
- IPAF and bespoke training
2. Key Stats from the Guide: HSE Fatal & Non-Fatal Falls 2023/2024:
- 25% rise in fatal falls
- 37,000 non-fatal injuries
- 688,000 working days lost
- £850 million economic cost
These shocking statistics highlight just how urgent it is to identify hazards, select the right equipment, and ensure every employee is properly trained.
3. Understanding the Work at Height Regulations (WAHR)
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) apply to anybody who controls working at height. Our guide simplifies these complex rules and breaks them into 3 key responsibilities:
- Avoid working at height if possible.
- Prevent falls through safe systems or equipment.
- Minimise harm with the right controls and PPE.
Employers must ensure that any work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons.
4. Step-by-Step: How to Assess and Manage Risks
In one of the most practical sections of the guide, we walk you through the risk assessment process, including:
- How to identify hazards in 5 steps.
- Understanding who might be harmed and how.
- Evaluating the severity and likelihood of harm
- Implementing control measures
✅ Download the free Risk Assessment Form HERE
5. Rescue Plans: The Step Everyone Forgets
When using powered access platforms like MEWPs, malfunctions can leave operators stranded at height. Our guide explains how to:
- Create an emergency rescue plan
- Conduct pre-use inspections
A comprehensive rescue plan is not only a safe best practice to implement, it is a legal obligation.
✅ Download the free HLS Working at Height Rescue Plan Template HERE
6. Choosing the Right Equipment: Hugo Lift
The Hugo Lift is our featured solution for low-level access. Designed to replace ladders and steps, Hugo offers:
- Working height up to 4.2m
- Height-adjustable cargo shelf
- Platform-Interlock Technology™ for enhanced safety
- Fits through standard doors and into passenger lifts
- Ideal for offices, libraries, hospitals, schools, and retail spaces
👉 Available new, pre-owned, hire, or on contract rental.
7. Bespoke Access Platforms
Need something made to your specification? We design bespoke access solutions for complex tasks or confined spaces, giving your team maximum safety and productivity.
8. Why Choose HLS Contract Rental?
Our contract rental service is perfect for businesses looking to optimise their capital expenditure.
- Servicing and Thorough Examinations (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)) inspections packages
- Minimum 36-month agreements
- End-of-term options to buy, extend, or upgrade
Whether you need powered access, floorcare, or material handling equipment, we will help you find the best solution, at the best rate.
👉 View available finance options HERE
How HLS Can Help
Whether you are managing a factory site, a logistics center, or a public facility, choosing the right working at height access platforms and safety procedures is essential. HLS provides more than just equipment, we offer expert advice, training, site surveys, and tailored solutions to ensure you are compliant, productive, and above all, safe.
With a wide range of access platforms, materials handling systems, and floor care equipment available for sale, short-term hire, or long-term contract rental, we can support you at every stage, from planning to training and ongoing maintenance.
Take the Next Step
Ready to improve safety, reduce downtime, and stay compliant?
👉 Download the HLS 2025 Working at Height Expert Guide
👉 Contact our team for a site survey or repair quote.
👉 Explore our range of access equipment for your next project
