Height Aware Campaign - Falls from Height

The Height Aware health and safety campaign aims to help people identify when they are working at height and where they may be at risk of falling.

Take a Moment, Not a Fall

Falls are the biggest cause of deaths in Britain’s workplaces.

53 people died in 2004-05. On top of this, nearly 3,800 suffered major injury such as broken bones or fractured skulls.

You do not have to fall far to be hurt. Seven deaths and 2,247 major injuries were from a fall from below head height. One of the main causes is falls from ladders. This is why the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has made reducing the number of falls from height a priority.

Height Aware Interactive Website

Visit the HSE Height Aware interactive website to get practical advice and solutions.

The key message is to remember to plan ahead, do not over-reach, use the right equipment and do not rush. Take a moment, not a fall.

This section has details of the free campaign pack leaflets and posters, available to download or order. You can also view press advertisements and listen to radio advertisements.

Local Action

Eastbourne Borough Council Environmental Health is actively supporting the HSE Height Aware campaign as part of our Fit for Work, Fit for Life, Fit for Tomorrow (Fit3) programme.

In June 2006 we wrote to local catering premises and selected retailers with advice on using ladders and working at height safely when maintaining ventilation systems. You can download copies of the letters below and view our press releases in Related Pages.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 came into effect on 6 April 2005 and apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. Go to the HSE website for guidance.