HSE highlights particular risks of site fatalities

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently published statistics for work-related fatalities over the past five years.

Looking at the headline figures the news is good: over the previous 12 months the accident rates in construction have continued to fall. 

The 2024/25 figures, as seen in Figures 1–3, are down to 35 fatalities against the five-year annual average for the period from 2020/21, which stands at 40 deaths. The rate per 100,000 workers is 1.65 for last year, and an average of 1.91 for the five-year period.

But this still means that around every ten days a construction worker goes on site and doesn't return home. This remains a critical issue requiring continued attention.

Two sets of figures in particular are notable. First, falls from height still account for more than half of all fatalities in construction – an average of 21 deaths per year over the five years up to 2024/25.

Second, workers over the age of 60 account for roughly 40% of the fatal injuries in the past year, despite making up only 12% of the workforce.

Both sets of regulations place significant duties on anyone planning construction work at height – the CDM even specify this as 'involving particular risks' in Schedule 3. 

The HSE therefore quite rightly takes a stern line in investigating these incidents, with frequent prosecutions and penalties, including suspended prison sentences and substantial fines.

The hierarchy of control for working at height is, first, to avoid making it necessary, second to prevent falls and, finally, to minimise the consequences of a fall.

• Work at height can be avoided either by using extendable tools or, where possible, being designed out in the first place by, for example, routing cables at a low level or incorporating plant or equipment that can be lowered to ground level.
• Falls can be prevented either by working in a place that is already safe – such as a concrete flat roof with existing edge protection – or installing structures to prevent people from falling, such as scaffolding.
• Finally, minimising the risk of the fall might include using safety airbags or netting.

Given the significant risk associated with work at height, it is no surprise many contractors have banned the use of ladders; however, according to the HSE, these  can be a sensible and practical option for brief, low-risk tasks, although they should not automatically be the first choice.

Work at Height Regulation 5 stipulates 'that no person engages in any activity, including organisation, planning and supervision, in relation to work at height or … equipment for use in such work unless [they are] competent to do so or, if being trained, [are] being supervised by a competent person'.

However, many relevant qualifications, especially awareness certificates, have no expiry date. This means it could have been many years since a worker trained, even if they are, on paper, competent.

To prevent this becoming an issue, the HSE recommends that workers requalify at least every five years.

Another good resource is the No Falls Foundation, which can provide support in completing a working at height risk assessment and help select the right equipment, as well as linking to numerous other resources to manage the relevant risks.

Subscribers to the HSE eBulletin will also receive regular updates on recent court cases. These include the findings of HSE inspectors' investigations, as well as the latest news and guidance on almost 100 issues including working at height. 

This can help professionals stay up to date with changes in best practice and avoid common problems.

This applies to all workers of all ages. However, changes in health and safety practice since the act are often part of basic training for those new to the construction industry – indeed, Health and safety is a mandatory competency for all RICS members, assessed to level 2 – but existing workers, especially those nearing the ends of their careers, are probably relying on training from many years ago.

The HSE's most recent figures suggest that this training is out of date, that older workers may have become complacent, and that their practices may no longer adequately protect them from injury or death.

On site, the duty to manage health and safety during the construction phase falls to the principal contractor under CDM.

Anyone involved in managing a project, from scoping and planning to on site project management, needs to ensure that there is sufficient time and budget allowed, not just to complete the works safely but also to undertake the necessary checks for competency, deliver suitable training where needed and provide activities at the point of work, such as toolbox talks, to ensure that the workers are competent throughout the duration of the construction phase.

In its related guidance, the HSE notes that regulation 13 includes a duty to ensure that those engaged to carry out the work are capable of performing it.

This needs to go beyond checking that certificates are in date, given that some – as mentioned – don't ever expire, and should ensure workers' competence and compliance with best practice through a proper induction process and adequate supervision.

Simple interventions such as toolbox talks can address issues that have arisen, or update the workers on the standards expected of them.

Failure to control the risks when from working at height often have the most severe consequences. 

Being up to date and following the simple hierarchy of controls from the HSE should be second nature when planning works and prevent the fall happening in the first place. But if the worst should happen, the consequences shouldn't be the end of someone's career, or their life.

Ensuring that all workers on site are adequately trained and that their training is up to date is not just good practice to prevent accidents but also helps maintain the quality of work.

Establishing systems to refresh workforce training, as well as scheduling time for this during the construction project, is better than hoping nothing goes wrong and then dealing with the consequences.