Risks to vulnerable members of the public from falling from height from windows

This Safety Notice is aimed at organizations (such as Health and social care providers, NHS Trusts / Boards, hospitals, public buildings, schools, care homes, other care settings) and individuals, who provide facilities for vulnerable people who are at risk of falling from windows.

The Department of Health have issued a safety alert following an HSE investigation into a fatal incident where window side-stays, which were fitted with plastic spacers as part of the mechanism, failed.

The alert should be read by any organisation where window restrictors are fitted to limit window openings (usually to not more than 100mm) in order to protect vulnerable people from falling. Such organisations include NHS Trusts, care home providers and those who manage buildings where vulnerable people may be present (e.g. schools).

Risks to vulnerable members of the public from falling from height from windows