2024 Fall from Height Statistics
Working at height remains one of the most hazardous activities in the workplace. Falls from height continue to be the leading cause of fatal workplace accidents, with 50 recorded deaths—double the number caused by moving vehicles (25) and well above incidents involving moving objects (20).
The risks are particularly high in industries where working at height is a daily necessity, such as construction, roofing, telecommunications, and warehousing. Many of these roles involve working on scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops, where even a small mistake can lead to serious injury or death. Poorly maintained equipment, lack of proper training, and failure to utilise personal protective equipment (PPE) all contribute to the high number of incidents each year.
Employers have a legal and moral duty to minimise these risks by implementing strict safety protocols. This includes providing workers with the right training, ensuring the use of harnesses, and conducting routine inspections of equipment.
Information from Health & Safety Executive.
Industries
The construction industry remains the most dangerous sector, with 51 worker fatalities recorded in 2023/24. This is no surprise, given the nature of the work, which frequently involves operating at height on scaffolding, rooftops, and unfinished structures. The combination of heavy machinery, unstable surfaces, and high-risk tasks makes construction sites particularly hazardous without strict adherence to safety protocols.
Following construction, agriculture, forestry, and fishing recorded 23 deaths. These industries pose unique dangers due to a combination of working at height, handling heavy equipment, and exposure to unpredictable environmental conditions. Falls from farm buildings, tree-felling incidents, and accidents involving ladders or unstable ground are common risks that continue to result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Manufacturing, with 16 worker deaths, also presents a high-risk environment, particularly in factories where workers operate near machinery, elevated platforms, and industrial equipment. All of these statistics come from 2024 Fall from Height Statistics HSE.
Information from Health & Safety Executive.
Age
Age plays a big role in workplace fatalities, with older workers being particularly vulnerable. In 2023/24, workers aged 60 and over accounted for 34% of all fatal injuries, with 45 deaths recorded. Physical decline, slower reaction times, and longer exposure to hazardous environments over the years can increase the risk of serious accidents, especially when working at height. Falls that might be survivable for younger workers can have much more severe consequences for older individuals due to factors like reduced bone density and slower recovery times.
Meanwhile, the majority of fatalities occurred in workers aged 16-59, with 89 deaths reported. While younger workers tend to have better physical resilience, their lack of experience can make them more prone to taking risks or misjudging hazards.
Information from Health & Safety Executive.
Resources:
Statistics taken from: Statistics – Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain
