According to recent HSE figures, falls from height continue to be the most common reason for fatal accidents in the UK, with 50 recorded deaths in 2023/24.
Working at height means work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. For example, you are working at height if you:
- Are working on a ladder or a flat roof.
- Could fall through a fragile surface.
- Could fall into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground.
Employers and those in control of any work at height activity must make sure work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. This includes using the right type of equipment for working at height.
The HSE’s Working at Height Guide describes what you, as an employer, need to do to protect your employees from falls from height. It will also be useful to employees and their representatives.
There is also a range of other useful information and sources of advice for employers on the HSE’s Work at Height website.
First Aid at Work Publications
Earlier this year, the HSE updated two publications on First Aid at Work:
First Aid at Work: Guidance on Regulations
This publication sets out what you need to do to address first aid provision in the workplace. The updates include emphasising employers’ responsibilities to take account of workers’ mental health in their first aid needs assessment.
Selecting a First Aid Training Provider: A Guide for Employers
This guidance helps you identify and select a competent training provider to deliver your first aid training needs. It was updated to simplify what employers should consider when selecting a training provider.
The updates do not change what is required to comply with the law.
Health and Safety Law Poster: What You Need to Know
The poster explains health and safety laws and lists what both employers and employees should do.
If you employ anyone, you must either:
- Display the health and safety law poster where your workers can easily read it.
- Provide each worker with the equivalent health and safety law leaflet.
There are various versions of the law poster, so you can select the most appropriate for your business and you can also:
The HSE also provides health and safety law pocket cards. These are a legal alternative to the law poster and are easy to distribute for your employees to carry with them.
Have Any Questions?
If you need advice, please contact our Health and Safety team on 02920 853788 or at tcms@thomas-carroll.co.uk.
