WORKING AT HEIGHT


on evidence rather than assumptions. Most importantly, progress can be measured because there’s a clear baseline from which to improve.


The UK, by contrast, lacks this level of transparency and insight. Without comparable data, we rely on anecdotes and assumptions, making prevention far more difficult and less effective. Learning from the US approach would give UK industries the tools to proactively and systematically address low-level falls.


At TB Davies, we’ve long advocated for improved safety measures and accurate reporting. Our access equipment is designed with safety first, whether working at a significant height or just a few feet off the ground.


We support the No Falls Foundation’s mission because better reporting is key to improving safety outcomes. It begins with collecting more accurate statistics, which enables improved awareness, accountability, and continuous improvement.


A CALL TO ACTION


If the UK is serious about addressing the issue of low- level falls, we must start by improving the way incidents are recorded. Health and safety professionals must advocate for clearer, quicker, and more accessible incident reporting processes. Enhanced data collection will directly support safety management practices, streamline compliance with regulatory bodies, and equip safety teams with the insights required to address risks proactively. This applies to large organisations, smaller firms, and the self-employed, where most underreporting occurs.


LESSONS FROM THE US Organisations like the US National Safety Council (NSC) set a robust example for health and safety practitioners, publishing granular data on falls by height, industry sector, occupation, and injury outcomes. Adopting similar practices in the UK would empower health and safety professionals with precise data, enhancing the effectiveness of safety audits, targeted training, and preventive interventions. In 2023, 725 fatalities resulted from falls from a lower level, highlighting the seriousness of these incidents.


What sets the US apart is the level of detail in its data collection. The NSC breaks down fall incidents by height, industry, occupation, and even the outcomes of each event. This level of granularity allows employers, regulators, and safety professionals to identify trends and implement highly targeted interventions. For example, construction firms can see if particular trades are experiencing more falls, while warehouse operators might learn that falls from ladders are more prevalent in specific environments.


This data-driven approach empowers businesses to act with precision. Instead of generic safety messaging, training can be tailored to the real risks specific to each sector. Equipment investment decisions can be based


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Alongside better reporting, there must be a renewed effort to educate employers and workers on the risks associated with low-level falls. Many people still underestimate the harm that a fall from a short distance can cause, and this cultural complacency must be addressed through clear and accessible training and guidance.


The UK must also invest in research that explores the specific circumstances that lead to low-level falls. Understanding how workplace design, human behaviour, and environmental conditions contribute to these incidents is essential for developing effective solutions. At the same time, the findings from this research must be made available to the industry in a transparent and usable form.


Finally, there needs to be a national commitment to transparency. Regular publication of detailed incident data, segmented by sector and injury type, will give safety professionals the insight they need to act and encourage accountability across the board.


Until these changes are implemented, low-level falls will continue to pose a silent threat in UK workplaces. By committing to improved data reporting, targeted training, and evidence-driven risk management, health and safety professionals can substantially reduce the incidence of low-level falls, ensuring safer working conditions and that every worker returns home safely each day.


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