Falls when working at height remain the most common kind of workplace fatality.
HSE's annual fatality statistics reported that there were 29 fatal injuries caused by falling from height in 2021/22.
Ladders and stepladders are not banned under health and safety law. They can be a sensible and practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks, although they should not automatically be your first choice.
To help you make sure you use the right type of ladder, and that you know how to use it safely, our website has guidance on staying safe when using ladders at work. It includes:
- more detail on competency, and what that means for ladder users and those managing ladder use on site
- key safety advice for using telescopic ladders
- practical tips for using combination and multi-purpose ladders
- good practice for securing ladders
You can also download the guidance document Safe use of ladders and stepladders, which was jointly produced by HSE and the Ladder Association.
For more information and advice visit our working at height website.
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In addition to carrying out the illegal work, for which he was jailed, the plumber cost an elderly woman over £1,000.
HSE's investigation found that the plumber was not registered with the Gas Safe Register, which is a legal requirement while carrying out gas work.
The plumber had been assisting the then 81-year-old woman with general plumbing needs for a number of years. He removed an existing gas boiler and installed a new combination boiler at a total cost of £1,157, despite knowing he was not legally able to do so.
Read this press release for more details on the incident.
Make sure any engineer carrying such work is on the Gas Safe Register.
Other recent prosecution cases include:
A number of people are killed or seriously injured in Great Britain each year in confined spaces.
A confined space is a place:
- which is substantially enclosed (though not always entirely)
- where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby
Our short guide will be useful to anyone involved in carrying out work in confined spaces.
You can also download a copy of our Safe work in confined spaces publication, which gives examples and helps you put precautions in place for work to be carried out safely.
You can also buy a hard copy on the HSE Books website.
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