Injured at work falling from height

Falling from height is one of the most serious types of workplace accidents in the UK. Whether it happens on a construction site, in a warehouse, or during everyday maintenance work, the consequences can be life-changing. Injuries from falls often require long recovery periods, and in severe cases, they can lead to permanent disability or even fatality.

Employers have strict legal duties to protect workers from the risks of falling from height. When those responsibilities are neglected, employees may be left dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, and financial losses. Understanding the causes, the types of injuries involved, and the rights of injured workers is essential for ensuring safety and accessing fair compensation.

What is classed as working at height?

Working at height does not just mean operating on scaffolding or rooftops. It covers any situation where a person could fall and injure themselves. Examples include:

• Using ladders, stepladders, or mobile platforms
• Working on scaffolding, rooftops, or raised walkways
• Carrying out repairs on machinery or storage racks above ground level
• Loading and unloading goods on mezzanine floors
• Accessing loft spaces or elevated shelving in warehouses

If precautions are not taken, even a short fall can cause serious harm.

Common causes of falls from height

Falls from height are rarely unavoidable accidents. They often happen because safety measures are ignored or working practices are unsafe. The most frequent causes include:

• Unsecured ladders – ladders that slip or are placed on uneven surfaces can quickly lead to falls.
• Faulty scaffolding – poorly constructed or unstable scaffolding increases risk significantly.
• Lack of safety rails or barriers – open edges on platforms or rooftops are a common hazard.
• Poor training – employees who are not shown how to work at height safely are more likely to make errors.
• Inadequate equipment – failure to provide harnesses, helmets, or fall arrest systems can result in devastating accidents.
• Unsafe carrying practices – lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects while on a ladder or raised platform makes falls far more likely.

By identifying these risks and addressing them, employers could prevent many of the falls that happen each year.

Types of injuries caused by falls from height

Falling from height can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which are grave. These include:

• Head and brain injuries – caused by impact with the ground or surrounding structures.
• Spinal injuries – which can lead to paralysis or long-term disability.
• Broken bones and fractures – particularly in the arms, legs, hips, and ribs.
• Internal injuries – damage to organs from the force of impact.
• Soft tissue injuries – including sprains, ligament tears, and severe bruising.

In less severe cases, workers may experience musculoskeletal injuries such as back strain or hernias, particularly if they were carrying heavy loads at the time of the fall. In the most serious cases, falling from height can be fatal.

Employer responsibilities in preventing falls

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place clear duties on employers to minimise risks. They are expected to:

• Avoid work at height where possible by redesigning tasks at ground level
• Carry out detailed risk assessments before any job involving height begins
• Provide safe equipment such as scaffolding, guard rails, and fall arrest systems
• Ensure ladders are only used when appropriate, and they are properly secured.
• Train staff in safe working practices and use of equipment
• Supervise work at a height to make sure procedures are followed

Failure to comply with these responsibilities can amount to negligence, leaving employers liable if a worker suffers an injury.

The impact of a fall from height

The consequences of a fall are often life-changing. Many workers need months or even years of rehabilitation. For some, injuries mean they cannot return to their previous job or, in the most serious cases, to any form of employment at all.

The impact is not just physical. Victims and their families may struggle with financial pressure due to lost income and the cost of medical treatment. The emotional toll of coping with reduced mobility, chronic pain, or uncertainty about the future can also be overwhelming.

This is why seeking compensation after a fall from height is not just about financial recovery but also about securing the support needed for long-term rehabilitation and peace of mind.

What to do after falling from height

If you suffer a fall at work, it is important to act quickly to protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Get medical treatment immediately – even if injuries do not seem severe, internal damage or spinal injuries may not be obvious at first.
2. Report the accident – ensure your employer records it in the workplace accident book.
3. Gather evidence – take photographs of the area, equipment, and any hazards, and record the names of witnesses.
4. Keep records of losses – such as time off work, reduced wages, and medical expenses.
5. Seek legal advice – speaking to an experienced solicitor ensures you understand your rights and the possibility of a compensation claim.

These steps not only protect your health but also strengthen any claim you decide to pursue.

Making a claim after a fall from height

If your accident was caused by unsafe conditions, lack of training, or failure to provide equipment, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Factors considered in a claim include:

• The seriousness of your injuries and how long recovery is expected to take
• The financial losses you have experienced, such as lost wages and medical bills
• The impact on your future employment and quality of life
• The pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident

Compensation can make a significant difference, allowing injured workers to focus on recovery without the added burden of financial worry.

Why choose Marley Solicitors?

At Marley Solicitors, we have extensive experience handling workplace injury claims, including those involving falls from height. We understand how devastating these accidents can be and the importance of securing proper compensation.