Work at height safety in construction remains one of the industry’s most important challenges. A recent HSE prosecution highlights the devastating consequences of failing to control work at height risks and manage contractors effectively.
A principal contractor received a £90,000 fine after a worker suffered life-changing injuries during construction work in Kent. The case serves as an important reminder that employers must plan, supervise and manage work at height activities properly.
What Happened During the Incident?
In March 2023, a contractor carried out pipework dismantling work at an industrial site in Ashford. He worked from a tipping bucket attached to a forklift truck when he fell onto the concrete floor below.
The original plan involved using a scissor lift. However, the equipment could not access the work area because of height restrictions. Rather than stopping the task and reassessing the risks, those involved continued using unsuitable equipment.
As a result, the worker suffered severe injuries that continue to affect his daily life.
Why Work at Height Safety in Construction Matters
Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace death and serious injury. Furthermore, many incidents leave workers with life-changing injuries that affect their careers, independence and family life.
The latest HSE statistics show that falls from height accounted for more than a quarter of all workplace fatalities in 2025/26. Consequently, businesses must treat work at height as a priority risk requiring strong planning and supervision.
What the HSE Investigation Found
The HSE investigation identified several serious safety failings.
These included:
- Poor management of contractors working on site.
- Failure to introduce a safe alternative system of work.
- Use of equipment that was not suitable for lifting people.
- Insufficient training for those using access equipment.
- Lack of controls to prevent untrained workers from accessing equipment.
- Inadequate site supervision.
- Unsafe work at height practices continuing over a prolonged period.
In addition, investigators found evidence that the company had previously received advice regarding contractor management and work at height safety concerns.
Key Work at Height Safety in Construction Lessons
Plan Work Thoroughly
Effective work at height safety in construction starts with planning. Before work begins, organisations should assess access requirements, site restrictions and emergency arrangements.
If conditions change, teams should pause the work and review the risks before continuing.
Use the Right Equipment
Every task requires equipment that is suitable for the job. Improvised solutions often increase risk and can lead to serious incidents.
Therefore, employers should ensure workers use equipment designed specifically for the activity being carried out.
Manage Contractors Properly
Contractor management plays a vital role in construction safety. Clients and principal contractors should establish clear arrangements for coordinating work and monitoring performance.
Moreover, they should confirm that contractors understand site rules and safe working procedures.
Ensure Workers Are Competent
Training, instruction and information help workers identify hazards and follow safe systems of work.
Equally important, employers should verify that operators have the relevant competence before allowing them to use specialist equipment.
Provide Effective Supervision
Strong supervision helps prevent unsafe practices from developing. It also ensures workers follow the agreed method of work throughout the task.
As a result, supervisors can identify problems early and take corrective action before someone gets hurt.
A Reminder for the Construction Industry
This prosecution demonstrates the importance of work at height safety in construction. When projects face practical challenges, organisations must not sacrifice safety for convenience.
Instead, they should stop, reassess the risks and implement a safe alternative solution.
The incident also highlights the importance of contractor management, competence and supervision. Together, these measures help prevent serious accidents and protect workers from harm.
How Green Hat Consulting Can Help
At Green Hat Consulting, we support organisations with contractor management, construction safety compliance, risk assessments and work at height safety planning.
By implementing practical and proportionate controls, businesses can reduce risk, improve compliance and create safer working environments for everyone involved.
Read more here: HSE Press Release
