16 Sep 2025

FALLS FROM HEIGHT: WHAT UK STATISTICS TELL US ABOUT HOME & WORKPLACE SAFETY

WHY FALLS FROM HEIGHT MATTER

Falls from height are one of those risks most of us underestimate- until they happen. Yet according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), they remain the number one cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, accounting for nearly a third of all deaths at work each year.

And it isn’t just professionals at risk. In homes across the country, thousands of people are admitted to hospitals annually after falling from ladders while attempting DIY, hanging lights, or cleaning gutters. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) estimates that around 6,000 people a year are hospitalised in the UK from ladder-related accidents at home.

The numbers are stark - but they also show us something important: the majority of these accidents are preventable. With the right equipment, safe practices, and a little awareness, both businesses and households can reduce risks dramatically.

This article looks at what the statistics reveal, why falls happen, and how to choose the right ladders and accessories to keep yourself, and those around you, safe.

THE CURRENT UK STATISTICS

Workplace (HSE 2022/23)

40 workers lost their lives due to falls from height.
Over 5,000 non-fatal injuries were reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).
Construction, agriculture, and maintenance remain the most affected sectors.

The HSE notes that in construction alone, 60% of fatal falls involve ladders or scaffolds.

Home (RoSPA & NHS data)

6,000+ ladder-related hospital admissions annually.
Seasonal spikes occur in:
- Autumn (gutter cleaning),
- Winter (Christmas decorations),
- Spring (DIY projects and painting).

👉 For homeowners, our Complete Guide to Choosing the RIght Extension Ladder explains how to avoid becoming part of these statistics.

WHY FALLS HAPPEN

The numbers don’t tell the whole story. Behind them lie a few common causes:

Using the wrong equipment: balancing on chairs, stools, or makeshift platforms.
Poor ladder setup: wrong angle, uneven surfaces, no stabilisers.
Overreaching: leaning too far instead of moving the ladder.
Climbing too high: standing on the top rungs.
Lack of inspections: worn feet, damaged rungs, or missing locks going unnoticed.

I once spoke with a facilities manager who told me a simple daily ladder inspection log had prevented a costly injury. “It takes less than a minute,” he said, “but it can save thousands.”

WORKPLACE RISKS IN DETAIL

Construction: Trades regularly climb ladders to access roofs, scaffolds, or scaffolding tie points. Using uncertified ladders or ignoring EN131 requirements is still a leading cause of serious accidents.
Warehousing: Workers often grab the nearest ladder to access high shelving, skipping stabilisers or overloading the rungs.
Agriculture: Farmers face unique risks in barns, silos, or when trimming trees—often on uneven ground.

STAT: HSE research shows that incorrect ladder use accounts for up to 40% of falls in construction.

👉 Our Professional Certified Ladders meet current UK safety standards and are designed specifically for trade environments.

HOMEOWNER RISKS IN DETAIL

While workplace regulations drive safety awareness, at home things can be more casual—sometimes dangerously so.

Gutter cleaning: perhaps the single most common household job that leads to ladder accidents.
Decorating and DIY: more than 20% of domestic ladder falls happen during painting.
Garden work: trimming tall hedges or trees without stabilisers.

RoSPA warns that a large number of injuries happen because people use chairs, stools, or even wheelie bins instead of proper ladders.

👉 Check out our range of home-suitable step ladders designed for safe, lightweight use around the home.

HOW THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT REDUCES RISK

Here’s the encouraging part: most ladder accidents aren’t about bad luck—they’re about bad equipment or bad setup. Choosing the right ladder dramatically reduces the risk.

EN131-certified ladders: Now mandatory for new ladders in the UK, these ensure stabiliser bars and strict load testing.
Fibreglass ladders: Non-conductive, making them the safest choice for electrical work.
Stabiliser bars: Prevent side-tipping and keep the ladder steady.
Rope-and-pulley systems: Allow smooth extension and secure locking on taller ladders.
Accessories: Stand-offs, trays, and levelers stop overreaching and free your hands for tools.

Stat: According to the HSE, proper ladder selection and correct setup could prevent around 50% of reported incidents.

👉 Explore our Ladder Accessories for safer, smarter working at height.

PREVENTION TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS & EMPLOYERS

Inspect before use: check rungs, feet, and locks.
Follow the 4-to-1 rule: 1 unit out for every 4 units up.
Stay three points of contact: two feet and one hand, or vice versa.
Avoid bad weather: wind and rain change stability dramatically.
Don’t climb tired: fatigue and alcohol are common causes of accidents.
Training matters: employers must train workers under PUWER regulations.

FALLS FROM HEIGHT: THE HIDDEN COSTS

When we talk about falls from height, most people think only of the immediate injury. But the consequences go much deeper. For individuals, there are the direct medical costs: treatment, hospital stays, physiotherapy, and time away from work. These can stretch on for months, leaving households under financial strain.

For employers, the impact is even greater. The HSE recorded more than 500,000 working days lost in 2022/23 as a result of falls from height - time that businesses simply can’t get back. Add to this the legal and financial risks: companies have been hit with fines running into tens of thousands of pounds when investigations revealed preventable accidents. In one recent case, a UK construction firm was fined £50,000 after an employee fell from a poorly secured ladder.

The hidden costs also extend to insurance premiums, which rise after serious incidents, and to reputation. A single accident can damage trust among employees, clients, and the public. For smaller businesses, that kind of reputational blow can be hard to recover from.

At home, the picture is no less serious. A fall while carrying out a “quick” job - like cleaning gutters or trimming hedges - can mean weeks of recovery, loss of income, and lasting effects on independence. When you consider that many of these incidents are caused by using the wrong equipment, the true cost becomes clear: a lack of preparation can make a cheap shortcut very expensive in the long run.

That’s why investing in the right ladder, and using it properly, should be seen not as a cost, but as a form of protection. The right equipment helps to safeguard health, livelihoods, and even the reputation of the businesses and families who depend on safe outcomes every day.

BUILDING A SAFETY-FIRST CULTURE

For businesses, embedding ladder safety into daily practice is about more than compliance - it’s about creating a culture where safe working at height is second nature. Regular toolbox talks, clear inspection routines, and easy access to the right equipment all play a role. For homeowners, the mindset shift is just as important: a reliable ladder isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity that protects you and your family every time you use it.

What we’ve covered here only scratches the surface. Building a genuine safety-first culture isn’t just about equipment - it’s about leadership, accountability, and long-term thinking. In fact, we’ll be exploring this in much more detail in an upcoming thought-leadership article, where we’ll discuss how businesses can move beyond compliance to embed a culture of safety excellence that reduces risks, boosts performance, and builds trust.

For now, the takeaway is simple: whether at home or at work, safety isn’t an add-on - it’s the foundation. And it starts with choosing and using the right ladder.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Falls from height remain the UK’s leading cause of workplace deaths.
Thousands of homeowners are injured every year during routine ladder use.
The right ladder matters: EN131 certification, stabilisers, and accessories reduce risk.
Prevention is possible: Inspections, training, and proper equipment cut accident rates dramatically.

READY TO WORK SAFER?

Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a homeowner tackling seasonal jobs, the statistics are clear: a safe ladder makes all the difference.

Browse our certified ladders
Explore ladder accessories that improve safety & efficiency
Or contact us for tailored advice

Behind every statistic is a story. Make sure yours is one of prevention, not accident.