Norwich Union sees link between height and health insurance claims

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Health insurance provider Norwich Union has revealed many of its claimants suffer injuries while working at height.

The company adds that many of its more expensive claims occur after falls from "low height" such as from a stepladder or chair.

In light of changes made in 2005 to the Working at Height regulations for businesses, Norwich Union is calling for "cheap and simple controls" to be put in place to protect employees.

Phil Grace, Norwich Unions casualty risk manager, said: "Industry needs to get its house in order by improving the control of work at height."

He called businesses "oblivious" to the risks posed by working off the ground and recognised that the industry as a whole is "unwilling" to adapt to the new regulations.

"Falls caused by working at height are happening across a wide range of sectors ... and across service businesses such as window cleaners, electricians, painters and plumbers," added Mr Grace.

The need for adequate health insurance is highlighted by Norwich Union, which says its customers are 26-times more likely to take an extended absence from work due to injury than to die before the age of 65.

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