Although the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor show no rise in the number of workplace accidents recently, close to 2.8 million injuries and illnesses were reported for 2019. Falls are one of the most common causes of reported accidents, and although falls from a height are responsible for more serious and disabling injuries, trips and falls on the same level occur more frequently and are more costly both for employers and workers. Employees can at least protect themselves financially by taking out appropriate health insurance and seeking legal advice to reduce the impact of the injury on their lives. However, implementing and updating adequate safety measures in the workplace must be a priority for any business in order to protect their workers from the distress of often avoidable injury.
Dealing With The Aftermath Of An Accident
Construction workers are understandably at greater risk of falling from a height and are in fact seven times more likely to suffer a fatal injury from a fall. However, just slipping over on the same level causes 15% of workplace fatalities and over 20,000 injuries in a year. With experience in workplace cases, personal injury lawyers say that the physical, emotional and financial impact of injury from a fall is often overwhelming. Reporting any accident promptly is beneficial to both workers and employers, and a thorough investigation of the incident could prevent a similar incident from occurring again. If the incident happens again, it’s more important to get an injury attorney for better assistance with the reports and evidence to investigate.
Preventing Injury From Falls
Almost all trips and falls in the workplace are preventable, and if a business has a poor safety record, changes to its health and safety protocols will need to be implemented. A new survey from The Center for Construction Research and Training hopes to gather data about falls at work from a range of health and safety professionals, with a view to improving fall protection and, as consequence, preventing unnecessary serious injuries and fatalities. On a construction site, this will involve complying with safety regulations, as well as providing adequate training and safety equipment to workers. In an office, even small adjustments to safety protocols and routines can make a significant difference to levels of health and safety in the workplace. Simple steps such as keeping corridors clear of clutter and always closing the drawers of filing cabinets can keep workers from injuring themselves unnecessarily.
Slips, trips and falls can happen in any type of workplace, from hazardous construction sites to sedentary offices. By proactively taking steps to prevent accidents, most workplace injuries from falls can be avoided.