The latest of campaigns to alert people who have to work at height of the extent of the dangers they face is underway. The Height Aware campaign bears a message, particularly for those who may not necessarily routinely work at height, for example, trades such as electricians, glaziers, heating & ventilation engineers, painters and decorators. The intention is to change behaviour by raising awareness that these groups could be at serious risk of injury if they don't plan work properly, assess the risks and choose the right equipment.
The message also applies to work at low levels, which may not be perceived as requiring risk controls, but can sometimes end in death.
Last year over 3,700 major injuries were recorded from falls at workplaces across the UK, with 60% of those involved working at below head height. Over the same period, 53 people died falling from a height at work, with 7 of those working below head height.

Comment:
"The dangers involved in working at such low levels may seem less obvious to employees or small business owners - which is why raising awareness of them is all the more important.
Falls are preventable when work is planned properly, the risks are accurately assessed, and the correct equipment is used. Accidents cost businesses money, but for a smaller operator, it can cost you much more than that - it could cost you your business. Worst of all for the individual - it could cost them their life." - HSE Inspector.