Fall from height at work compensation claims

Falls from height all too often lead to catastrophic injuries; a fall from as little as 2 feet can result in serious injury.

Sadly, falls from height are the second most common cause of fatality arising from an accident generally. Statistics collated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that falls from height are the most common cause of all work related fatalities.

Many trades and professions involve some form of working at height. Given the potential for life changing injuries, it is important that employees and employers alike comply with their legal requirements to ensure safety at work.

What does the law say?

Employees must be careful to not put themselves or others in danger. They are also required to adhere to safety practices put in place by their employer, as well as use any equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.

The law in England and Wales imposes duties on employers to ensure conditions in the workplace are safe; this is never more important than when working at height.

Work at height means work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury; this would include the use of:

• Ladders
• Platforms
• Stairs
• Unsuitable equipment, such as chairs

It would also include falls from vehicles, machines, roofs and through unfenced drops.

Employers are required to avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable to do so; where it cannot be avoided employers must safeguard against fall risks.

Workplace regulations, including the Work at Height Regulations 2005 impose strict obligations to ensure employers:

• Carry out an adequate risk assessment, as well as considering emergency evacuation and rescue procedures.
• Ensure the work being carried out at height is properly planned and supervised
• Provide adequate training
• Ensure employees have the necessary skill, expertise and experience for the work being carried out
• Ensure employers can safely get to and from where they work at height
• Take precautions when tasking people with working on or near fragile surfaces
• Provide protection from falling objects
• Provide and maintain suitable equipment and PPE
• Consider the impact of weather conditions

If your employer, or another employee fails to comply with their duties and you or a loved one suffers an injury, your lives may be changed forever.

Our experienced personal injury solicitors are ready to support you; please call our offices on 0161 399 1231 for advice tailored to your circumstances.

How much compensation can I claim?

How much you will receive will depend on the nature, extent and longevity of your injuries.

In addition to your claim for compensation you may also be entitled to compensation for the costs of medical treatment, care and assistance as well as any loss of earnings resulting from your injury. For further guidance about how much compensation you are likely to be awarded please call our team.