Falls are one of the biggest risks for people who work at height. This is why the No Falls Foundation launched No Falls Week as a way to raise awareness and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by falls.
The origin of No Falls Week
The No Falls Foundation registered as a charity in 2018. Its aims and objectives are to prevent falls and related injuries through education and campaigning, research further ways to improve people’s safety when working at height, and support those injured, whether physically, mentally, financially, or in any other way after a fall. In line with this, the foundation launched No Falls Week in May 2024 to spread more information about the risks of falls and how to avoid them.
Why it is important
Falling from height carries a significant risk. Even if you survive, a spinal injury may leave you with permanent paralysis, a head injury could cause serious brain damage, and an aortic rupture could be fatal. Painful fractures to your ribs or limbs are common, whilst lung contusions may impact your breathing. In some cases, injury may lead to amputation.
Disabling injuries not only impact your physical health but may also leave you with depression, anxiety, or PTSD. You may be unable to work and therefore lose your financial independence. It could impact your relationships with your friends and family. This shows why it is so important to be safe when working at height.
What you can do
Employers and workers both have a role to play in minimising the risk of falls. All structures for working at height should be carefully planned, and risk assessments should be conducted. There should be regular inspections and maintenance of the site and all equipment. All workers should have proper training, qualifications, and licensing, such as completing an IPAF course through a provider such as Global FLT.
There will always be some risk of falling when working at height, but there are also many safety precautions that can protect workers. That is why No Falls Week is important.