DIY plea after man's life-changing fall from ladder

A charity is urging people to put safety first when carrying out do-it-yourself projects after supporting a man who had a catastrophic life-changing fall.

Dad of two Scott Blankey, of Bristol, fell off a ladder while painting the outside of his house, resulting in multiple organ damage, several fractures and breaks, including vertebrae and his skull.

His brother, Kai Blankey, has raised thousands of pounds for his brother's family while Scott, who worked as a builder, recovers.

No Falls Foundation, which supports people in the work-at-height sector, warned - ahead of soaring forecast temperatures over the bank holiday weekend - that accidents were more prone to happen when the weather was nice.

The charity manager, Hannah Williams, said it was also not uncommon for tradespeople like Scott to neglect their own safety when doing projects at home.

"Over the bank holiday, people are likely to be painting and decorating, perhaps cleaning windows.

"We're urging them to ensure they have the correct equipment for the job and make sure they come down safely," she added.

Scott, 47, was up on his ladder doing the final touches on a recent extension at his home, when he fell headfirst from a three-storey height.

He suffered multiple fractures, including a brain injury. He also broke 11 ribs, his collarbone and several vertebrae when he fell.

His brother Kai remembered receiving a call from the family, saying his brother was at the hospital and was about to undergo surgery for a bleed on the brain.

"It was hard to take that call. Something like that turns your life upside down."

Scott was cared for at Southmead Hospital in January and is currently having rehabilitation treatment at the NHS Head Injury Therapy Unit in Frenchay.

"Since then, we've been doing our best to support Scott's wife and children because he was self-employed," said his brother.

Kai has run several fundraising challenges for the family while Scott recovers, raising more than £30,000 since the accident.

Looking back, he said he wished his brother had been more careful.

"When you're working on someone else's property, you have scaffolding up and all the safety measures in place. With DIY you cut corners.

"I guess it's human nature that you take your own risk. But it shouldn't be the case."

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - the UK industry watchdog - revealed 35 people had died from a fall at height in the UK in 2024/2025.

Of those, 23 fatalities were self-employed while 12 were employees.

Those who survive a drastic fall can still experience life-changing injuries.

Williams, from No Falls Foundation, said a fall from height could have devastating consequences.

"Beyond the physical pain, there can be a devastating loss of income, and some are never able to return to work. The ripple effect is huge."

"It affects their partners, children, and wider family."

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