Latest HSE statistics: No room for complacency

Regardless of a drop in fatalities from 42 in 2014/15 to 37 in 2015/16, falls from height still remain the single biggest cause of fatalities on site and in the workplace. In addition, they also accounted for 5956 non-fatal injuries over the 12 month period to 31 March 2016.

“We seem to have reached something of a watershed,” says the Ladder Association’s Gary Chudleigh. “The long term downward trend shows signs of levelling off, which is why the Association is actively campaigning for more training and better guidance.”

“And, of course, we’re actively supporting the HSE’s Help Great Britain Work Well campaign and currently running the tenth successive Ladder Exchange designed to reduce accidents by removing damaged or dodgy ladders from the workplace.”

“We’ve also introduced the Ladder Advocate Scheme to provide expert speakers for seminars and conferences, and we’re backing the Access Industry Forum’s call for a more detailed and meaningful accident reporting system.”

“Finally, throughout 2017, we’ll be supporting the HSE’s construction industry initiativeWorking Well Together with talks and demonstrations at working at height Safety & Health Awareness Days (SHADs) throughout the country.”