The Risks of Working at Height
Working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in the 2023/24 period, 138 employees lost their lives in work-related accidents. Of these, 50 fatalities were due to falls from height, accounting for 36% of all workplace deaths.
These statistics highlight the critical need for stringent safety measures and training to prevent falls from height. While ladders and stepladders should not be the first choice for working at height, they can be a sensible option for low-risk, short-duration tasks.
HSE Guidance
In association with the Ladder Association, the HSE has developed a free downloadable guide on the Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders.
To help ensure you choose the right type of ladder and use it safely, the HSE website offers valuable guidance on the Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders at Work, covering:
- Competency requirements for ladder users and those managing ladder use on-site
- Safety advice for using telescopic ladders
- Practical tips for using combination and multi-purpose ladders
- Best practices for securing ladders
- How to inspect ladders for damage or defects
How Thomas Carroll Can Help
Thomas Carroll offers both classroom-based and online working at height training courses, designed to ensure participants understand the risks associated with working at height and the necessary precautions to take.
For further information, please get in touch with Kelly Ladd at kelly.ladd@thomas-carroll.co.uk or call 02920 853731.
