In 2001/2002 68 people died and nearly 4,000 suffered a serious injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace.
Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to employees, accounting for 15% of all such injuries. All industry sectors are exposed to the risks presented by this hazard although the level of incidence varies considerably.
As a result, the Health and Safety Commission have included 'Falls from Height' in their eight Priority Programmes chosen to meet the targets for the reduction in injury rates in the workplace.
HSC confirm that these events usually arise due to poor management control rather than because of equipment failure.
Common factors include:
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Failure to recognise a problem.
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Failure to ensure that safe systems of work are followed.
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Failure to provide safe systems of work.
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Inadequate information, instruction, training or supervision provided.
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Failure to use appropriate equipment.
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Failure to provide safe plant/equipment.