I believe ericd is talking about the ascent, not the descent.
If you want to jump over a building, you need to depart the ground at the same speed as you'll hit it on the way down (more, because of air resistance). The forces applied to your body are just as lethal in both directions.
(This specifically applies to jumping, where all your acceleration comes at the beginning of the journey. Jetpacks, planes, etc. get around the problem by letting you accelerate while in midair.)