Heightened Awareness: Why safe working at height must be a shared priority
Sep 2, 2025
Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of fatalities in construction. Despite advances in regulation, training, and equipment, too many tradespeople are still being injured — or worse — in accidents that could have been prevented. In this article, Dave Elson, Compliance Manager at leading access solutions specialist Werner, explains why access to the right training is key for building a culture of safety across construction sites.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recorded 35 deaths in 2024/25 linked to falls from height, alongside thousands of non-fatal injuries. For tradespeople, even a “minor” incident such as a sprained wrist or broken ankle can mean weeks off site, financial strain, and lost earnings. For employers, these incidents bring legal, reputational, and operational risks.
The solution to driving up safety is simple in principle but, as is often the case, challenging in practice: robust, ongoing training, backed up by the right equipment choices and a culture that treats safety as non-negotiable, with true collaboration between employers and employees.
Employers: responsibility starts with training
It is the duty of employers to ensure that everyone working at height receives the appropriate training. That means everyone, from apprentices starting out in the industry to seasoned tradespeople who may benefit from a refresher to guard against complacency. Crucially, training cannot be treated as a one-off. Best practice evolves, and refresher courses are essential to keep knowledge current.
Employers that invest in structured, engaging training programmes protect their workforce — and themselves. Online interactive learning, toolbox talks, and on-site demonstrations can all reinforce core principles and keep safety front of mind.
Tradespeople: training only works if you use it
The other side of the equation is personal responsibility for on-site workers. Even the most comprehensive training will not prevent accidents if tradespeople fail to engage with it. Experienced professionals are sometimes the most likely to switch off during refresher sessions, assuming they already know the risks. But safety guidance changes — and even small updates can prove lifesaving.
Engaging fully with training is not just about compliance. It’s about protecting your health, your income, and your ability to keep working.
Smarter equipment choices
Alongside training, choosing the right equipment is critical. Too many accidents stem not from equipment failure, but from using the wrong product — or using the right product incorrectly.
- Choose a compliant kit. Ladders for professional use should carry the EN131 Professional certification, proving they meet tougher trade standards.
- Inspect before use. Stiles, rungs, feet, and locking mechanisms should be checked before every job. Any sign of wear or damage means the equipment should not be used.
- Don’t mix tower parts. Under EN 1004-1:2020, components from different tower systems cannot be combined. Mixing parts may invalidate compliance and put workers at risk.
- Use accessories smartly. Tool trays, paint holders, and bucket hooks reduce the number of trips up and down, helping to minimise risk.
Building a culture of safety
Ultimately, safe working at height is a shared responsibility. Employers must provide regular, engaging training and supply equipment that meets the required standards. Tradespeople must take that training seriously, apply it consistently, and refuse to cut corners.
Training isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a culture where tradespeople understand, respect, and engage with safe practices every day. Only then can we begin to reduce the unacceptably high number of falls from height in our industry.
Falls from height will always carry risks — but with the right training, the right equipment, and the right mindset, those risks can be managed.
Media contact:
HROC PR Ltd.
T: 0121 454 9707