As the facilities management industry continues to prioritise worker safety, No Falls Week returns this May with renewed urgency and purpose. Running from May 12-16, this annual safety initiative aims to combat what remains the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK.
Sobering statistics highlight urgent need
The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive paint a stark picture: 50 people lost their lives due to falls from height in UK workplaces during 2023/24. Perhaps more alarming is the trend – falls from height now account for 36% of all workplace deaths, up from 25% in 2021/22 and 30% in 2022/23. With an additional 37,000 injuries reported from height-related incidents last year, the message is clear: despite significant safety advancements, working at height remains one of the most dangerous activities in the workplace.
A dual focus on physical and mental safety
No Falls Week coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week this year, highlighting the crucial connection between mental wellbeing and physical safety.
“Clear minds make safer decisions, especially when you’re 50 feet off the ground,” explains Heath Ralphson, Group Senior HSE Director at PTSG, which is implementing a comprehensive programme of activity and awareness for No Falls Week. “Safety isn’t just physical – it’s about mental wellness too.”
This holistic approach represents an evolution in workplace safety thinking, recognising that fatigue, stress, and distraction can be as dangerous as faulty equipment when working at elevation.
Beyond compliance: Building a safety culture
What sets forward-thinking organisations apart is their emphasis on prevention rather than reaction. Industry leaders like PTSG are approaching No Falls Week as more than just a regulatory checkbox exercise. This year their programme includes daily focused training on critical aspects of height safety. Featuring Fall Arrest Engineers the video series covers, PPE equipment, Harness inspection, Safe use of ladders, Sealed Rescue kit training and MEWP inspections.
From workplace to home: Safety without borders
An important aspect of No Falls Week 2025 is the recognition that height safety principles extend beyond professional settings. The same knowledge that protects workers on the job can safeguard families during home activities – whether using a step ladder for painting or cleaning gutters.
These transferable skills create a safety mindset that benefits communities beyond the workplace, potentially preventing thousands of domestic accidents each year.
Industry collaboration key to progress
The No Falls Foundation, the UK’s only charity devoted exclusively to the work at height sector, is coordinating activities across the industry. Their partnership approach brings together stakeholders from construction, facilities management, equipment manufacturers and safety organisations to share best practices and innovations.
For more information on No Falls Week and how to get involved, visit the No Falls Foundation website or contact your industry association.
FM Business Daily is committed to promoting safety best practices across the facilities management industry. Share your No Falls Week initiatives with us at editor@fmbusinessdaily.com.
