Falls from Height
Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal accidents in the workplace across the UK.
HSE statistics showing that 50 workers lost their lives due to falls from height in 2023 to 2024.
Last week the No Falls Foundation marked its annual No Falls Week, providing a timely reminder of this persistent danger.
Guidance for working at height can be found on the HSE website, including:
- an introduction to safely working from height
- an employers guide for what they need to do to protect their employees from falls from height
Falls from height: enforcement prosecutions
View the details of 2 recent HSE prosecutions following fatal falls from height on HSE’s website:
- builder sentenced after fatal fall of asylum seeker
- fines for company and operations manager after death from 20-foot fall
HSE launches revised bloodborne virus guidance
HSE has published extensively revised guidance on managing bloodborne virus (BBV) hazards in workplaces.
The guidance has been refreshed following feedback from the National AIDS Trust and other topic experts. It will help employers identify if BBV hazards exist in their workplace and provides practical tips on risk assessment.
The updated guidance also:
- outlines simple preventative measures
- explains actions to take following accidental workplace exposure
- includes information for specific groups of workers that may be exposed to BBVs due to the use of sharps, such as those working in healthcare, beauty and tattooing
Content not directly relevant to workplace settings has been removed and the revised guidance now features:
- a streamlined structure for easier navigation
- references to authoritative clinical sources, including the NHS and UK Health Security Agency
Visit the revised guidance on bloodborne viruses
Winners of the MSD Risk Reduction Through Design Award have been announced
The awards, sponsored by HSE and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors, spotlight design changes that reduce MSD risks across industries.
2025 winners
- MSD Risk Reduction Through Design Award 2025: Ainscough Crane Hire Limited
- Small to Medium Enterprise Recognition Award: UPM Raflatac
Ainscough Crane Hire Limited won the 2025 MSD risk reduction through design award for creating a tool set that attaches to standard floor cranes, eliminating manual handling of heavy brake and wheel hub assemblies (up to 52kg) during crane maintenance.
UPM Raflatac have been recognised for creating a trolley that eliminates manual stacking of heavy laminate paper reels weighing 20 to 90kg. The design allows workers to roll reels onto trolleys, which are then moved by forklift to an automatic stacking device, greatly reducing manual handling risks.
Further information
For more details about the winners and their design solutions, you can:
- learn more about the 2025 MSD Risk Reduction Award winners
- read the full HSE press release about the 2025 MSD awards
Ensuring high-rise safety
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) in England is part of HSE. Take a look at building control in action.
We have published a series of videos where Philip White, BSR’s Chief Inspector of Buildings shares insights into our role at the heart of Gateway 2 – the pivotal stage in building control for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) in England.
The videos and accompanying article explain the rigorous new application process and the need for higher-quality applications to ensure resident safety and avoid costly future issues.
The need for higher-quality applications to ensure resident safety and avoid costly future issues is also emphasised, along with the useful resources BSR has made available for applicants.
Visit our Building Safety website to view the videos
Working Minds campaign: new online learning module
Free new online learning content has been launched to help employers prevent stress and support good mental health, including:
- what to include in a risk assessment
- identifying and addressing the root cause of issues
- shifting focus from individual to organisational solutions
To access the latest step-by-step advice, practical tools and downloadable templates, register for online learning.
