The construction industry’s struggle with falls from height reveals a gap in robust data, underscoring persistent safety concerns.
- In 2022/23, falls from height resulted in 25 out of 45 construction fatalities, highlighting the industry’s primary cause of death.
- The No Falls Foundation, founded by Peter Bennett, aims to address this issue by advocating for safer practices and supporting survivors.
- Non-fatal incidents have lasting impacts on individuals and families, as illustrated by Jason Anker’s life-altering fall in 1993.
- Accurate data collection under RIDDOR is inconsistent, prompting new research initiatives led by the foundation to capture the full extent of the issue.
The dangers associated with working at height in the construction industry cannot be overstated, with falls accounting for more fatalities than any other kind of accident. In 2022/23, 45 workers in construction lost their lives, and 25 of those deaths were due to falls from height. According to Peter Bennett, chair of the No Falls Foundation, falls from heights have consistently been the leading cause of fatalities over the decades.
Despite longstanding awareness of these risks, non-fatal falls continue to have devastating consequences that extend beyond the physical. Jason Anker’s story exemplifies this ongoing struggle. Having fallen from a ladder in 1993, Anker was left paralysed from the waist down. He reflects on how his accident impacted his family profoundly, as they adapt to the ‘ripple effect’ that stretches into the present day, with his grandchildren unable to engage in typical activities with their grandfather.
Established in 2018, the No Falls Foundation seeks to reduce the rate of these incidents by providing education on safer work practices and supporting those who have suffered as a result of such accidents. Through events like No Falls Week, the foundation promotes awareness and aims to fill the significant data gap concerning non-fatal falls, which are less reliably reported than fatal incidents.
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) requires companies to report serious accidents and near misses, yet discrepancies in the data arise. For example, while 4,038 non-fatal injuries in construction were reported to the Health and Safety Executive, the Labour Force Survey found a total of 561,000 injuries across all sectors. This suggests that around half of all incidents go unreported under RIDDOR, concealing the true scale of the problem.
Hannah Williams of the No Falls Foundation identifies smaller organisations as especially vulnerable, often lacking the resources to implement comprehensive safety protocols. While larger companies usually possess detailed plans and training, smaller firms tend to operate more precariously, without dedicated health and safety personnel. The foundation is launching a major research initiative to better understand and document the human experiences behind these statistics.
Jason Anker continues to share his story, drawing attention to the complex factors contributing to workplace accidents. He emphasises the importance of a supportive work environment focused on employee wellbeing, advocating for a culture shift where safety truly becomes a priority over efficiency. Anker argues that an investment in mental health and a positive work culture results in fewer accidents, benefiting both workers and businesses alike.
Achieving meaningful change in fall prevention requires comprehensive data collection and a cultural shift towards prioritising safety and well-being.
