In 2001/2002 68 people died and nearly 4,000 suffered a serious injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace.
Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to employees, accounting for 15% of all such injuries. All industry sectors are exposed to the risks presented by this hazard although the level of incidence varies considerably.
The above regulations came in to force on 6 April 2005 and replace all the earlier regulations about working from height.
Work at height is work in any place (including at or below ground level) where a person could be injured by falling from it. Work includes moving around at a place of work (except by a staircase in a permanent place of work).
The regulations:
Further information and guidance can be found on the HSE web site at www.hse.gov.uk and in the HSE publication 'The Work at Height Regulations 2005. A Brief Guide to the Regulations'.
Further information relating to this service is available on the Web at: www.hse.gov.uk
