Falls from height claims

What is a fall from height accident?

A fall from height accident is where a person falls from a higher level to a lower level with no safety precautions in place, resulting in an injury or fatality. Falls in the workplace can occur in spaces such as construction sites, warehouses, Factories/industrial sites, as well as agricultural and forest settings. This does not include a slip or a trip on one level, nor does it include walking up and down permanent staircases in a building.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (amended 2007) are intended to protect anyone who has to work at height. That can mean anything from working in a harness hundreds of feet in the air to standing on a chair to change a light bulb. Employers have a legal duty to protect their employees from avoidable harm, especially when working at a height.

Do you have grounds for a fall from heights claim?

If you’ve fallen from a height due to your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. To do so, you’ll need to show that your employer failed in their duty of care - for example, by not carrying out proper risk assessments, failing to provide adequate safety equipment, or neglecting to offer the necessary training and supervision. If these failings led to your accident, you may have strong grounds for a claim.

You can also bring a claim on behalf of someone else if they are unable to do so themselves due to the severity of their injuries, or if the accident was fatal. Our expert personal injury lawyers can guide you through the process, helping you access the financial support, medical care, and rehabilitation you need to recover and rebuild your life.

What are the common causes of falls from heights?

Under the regulations, employers must take reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury by eliminating working at height if possible. This duty applies to employers, the self-employed and any person who controls the work of others. If your employer has breached their specific duty of care in connection with working at height, should you suffer a fall from height and be injured, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. Some of the most common causes of falls from heights include:

Unsecured or unstable ladders – using the wrong type of ladder, placing it on uneven ground, or failing to secure it properly.

Faulty or incomplete scaffolding – poorly erected scaffolding or missing guardrails can easily lead to serious accidents.

Lack of edge protection – exposed edges on rooftops, walkways, or mezzanines without guardrails or barriers.

Missing or inadequate fall arrest systems – such as harnesses, lanyards, or safety nets, not being provided or correctly used.

Inadequate training or supervision – workers not being properly instructed on how to work safely at height.

Unsafe working surfaces – including fragile roofing, loose floorboards, or slippery materials.

Poor lighting or visibility – especially in early morning or evening shifts, or in enclosed industrial spaces.

What injuries can result from a fall from height?

Falls from height account for 29% of all reported industrial injuries and remain the most common cause of death in the workplace. The injuries caused by falls from height vary depending on the severity of the fall and the conditions at the time, but some of the most common and serious injuries include:

Fractures - Common injuries include broken wrists, ankles, and ribs. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Brain injuries and Spinal injuries - These injuries are more severe and typically occur from falls from greater heights, such as rooftops. Brain and spinal injuries can result in long-term disabilities, including brain damage or paralysis, and often require long-term care and rehabilitation.

Amputation - If a limb is crushed or severely damaged during a fall, it may be necessary to amputate to prevent further harm or infection. Individuals may require ongoing care, prosthetics, and rehabilitation

Fatalities - This is more likely when the fall occurs from significant heights or when proper safety measures have been neglected.

If you've been injured in a fall from height at work, it's important to seek legal advice to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

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