Werner renews call for working at height safety awareness as HSE figures reveal falls to blame for one-in-four workplace deaths
Posted by: user_amy 27th August 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.”
To learn more, please visit: https://www.wernerco.com/uk
