Working at height is never without risk. People with a job that involves working up ladders, scaffolding or in cherry pickers/cranes are more at risk of a fall from height. A fall from height can result in serious damages including spinal, head and brain injuries, and even death.

Your employer has a duty of care to look after your well being, through minimising risk, whilst you are in the workplace. Therefore if your job requires you to work at height your employer must provide you with the appropriate training and any equipment that you require to do your job safely.

If your employer fails in any way to follow the appropriate health and safety protocols, and you suffer an accident at work as a consequence, you could be entitled to compensation.

People with the following professions are more at risk of experiencing a fall from height at work:

• Window Cleaners/ Window Installers.
• Civil Engineers.
• Scaffolders.
• Supermarket shelf stackers.
• Roofers.
• Construction workers.

The common causes of falls from height at work include:

• Falls from unsteady/broken ladders.
• Falls due to inclement weather.
• Lack of safety railings and PPE.
• Poorly constructed scaffolding.
• Lack of anti-slip protection.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 states that employers must ensure that the following requirements are met to ensure the safety of their staff whilst working at height:

• Provide employees with appropriate training.
• Provide employees with the right personal protection equipment (PPE).
• Conduct a risk assessment.
• Ensure all equipment is in good working order.
• Ensure that surfaces are dry, sturdy and free from obstacles.