Werner renews call for working at height safety awareness as HSE figures reveal falls to blame for one-in-four workplace deaths
Aug 24, 2026
Leading access equipment manufacturer Werner is calling for a greater focus on working at height safety awareness, following the publication of the latest HSE report into deaths and serious injuries in the workplace.
The
latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures once again highlight the
devastating human cost of falls from height, with such incidents responsible
for 25%
of all workplace fatalities in Great Britain during 2025/26.
The statistics reinforce that, despite ongoing improvements across the
industry, working at height remains the single biggest cause of fatal workplace
accidents.
The
provisional
HSE data
shows that 31 workers lost their lives
following a fall from height during the reporting period. While this represents
a fall from the 35 deaths recorded in 2024/25, falls from height remain the
leading cause of fatal workplace accidents, accounting for around a quarter of
the 126 worker fatalities recorded in 2025/26
For
Werner, the latest HSE data reinforces a message it has championed for many
years, namely that falls are preventable when safety is treated as a mindset
rather than a mere compliance exercise. From selecting the correct access
equipment for the task, to inspecting ladders before every use, setting them up
correctly and avoiding overreaching, Werner believes that the decisions made
before leaving the ground can make the difference between a safe day's work and
a life-changing incident.
This
philosophy underpins Werner's ongoing commitment to improving safety standards
across the industry. Earlier this year, Werner delivered its inaugural April Falls Month
campaign, bringing together practical guidance, educational resources, toolbox
talks and digital content to encourage safer working at height across the
construction and trade sectors.
April
Falls Month forms part of Werner's wider commitment to supporting the industry
through safer product design, technical expertise and practical education.
Through its Ladder Safety Hub, technical guidance and continued investment in
product innovation, Werner works year-round to help employers and trade
professionals reduce risk and create safer working environments.
Justin
White, Managing Director at Werner UK, said: "These figures are a stark
reminder that, despite all the progress our industry has made, falls from
height continue to take far too many lives. One in four workplace fatalities is
one in four too many.
"The
encouraging news is that the vast majority of these incidents are preventable.
Safe working at height starts long before anyone climbs a ladder. It starts
with proper planning, selecting the right equipment, carrying out pre-use
inspections and never becoming complacent.
"At
Werner, improving safety is a year-round commitment. While April Falls Month helped
shine a spotlight on the issue, our focus on raising standards continues every
day through product innovation, practical guidance and working alongside the
industry to encourage safer behaviours.
"Everyone
has a role to play in improving safety standards. By choosing the right
equipment for the job, following best practice and putting safety first every
time, we can continue reducing falls from height and, ultimately, save
lives."
For more information about ladder safety and working at height, visit Werner’s safety hub: https://www.wernerco.com/uk/ladder-safety
Media contact:
HROC PR Ltd.
T: 0121 454 9707