Falls from height continue to pose significant risks to workers, and new initiatives aim to increase safety awareness.
- The No Falls Foundation has launched the inaugural No Falls Week to highlight the dangers and promote safe working practices.
- Data indicates a worrying increase in fatalities caused by falls from height, underlining the urgent need for preventative measures.
- Common injuries from falls include head trauma, spinal damage, rib fractures, and more, stressing the importance of protection.
- Employers are urged to implement comprehensive safety protocols and provide appropriate training and equipment.
Falls from height remain a major concern in many workplaces, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. This issue has prompted The No Falls Foundation to introduce the first-ever No Falls Week, designed to bring attention to the criticality of safe working practices. The initiative seeks to make workers and management more aware of the potential hazards and the necessary precautions that should be observed.
Recent data collected by Horizon Platforms reveals a troubling rise in fatalities linked to falls from height, increasing by five cases in the 2022 to 2023 period. An estimated 13,000 injuries were reported last year alone, underscoring the pervasive nature of this workplace danger.
Head injuries are notably severe, often leading to traumatic consequences such as brain haemorrhaging or skull fractures. These can result in fatal outcomes or life-altering disabilities, highlighting the need for proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols.
Spinal injuries can have devastating impacts, potentially resulting in paralysis or persistent health issues. The imperative for employers to ensure workers have full training and suitable equipment becomes even more apparent in this light.
Falling can also result in painful rib fractures, which might lead to further complications like punctured lungs and breathing difficulties. This risk further illustrates the necessity of rigorous safety measures.
Lung contusions and other serious injuries, such as cardiac and aortic rupture, can have immediate and life-threatening effects, emphasizing the critical need for prompt medical intervention and preventative action on the employer’s part.
Moreover, falls frequently lead to broken limbs, which, while often treatable, entail significant pain and recovery time, impacting both the individual’s health and financial circumstances.
In extreme cases, the impact of a fall could necessitate amputation, fundamentally altering an individual’s life and work prospects. These severe risks reiterate the essential role of PPE and proper equipment in preventing such incidents.
Apart from major injuries, falls can also cause a range of common minor injuries, including dislocations, sprains, and lacerations, contributing to the significant number of injuries recorded in workplaces.
Ben Hughes, Customer Training & Compliance Manager at Horizon Platforms, stresses the importance of pre-planned and organised work involving heights. He advises that detailed risk assessments, proper training, and the use of appropriate equipment are vital to mitigate risks. Use of scissor lifts or cherry pickers is recommended, ensuring that workers have the necessary licences and that equipment undergoes regular inspections.
Greater awareness and proactive measures are imperative to safeguard workers from the serious risks associated with falls from height.
