Falls—whether on the same level or from a height—are leading causes of workplace injuries, disabilities, and deaths in the United States. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), on-the-job slips, trips, and falls resulted in 227,760 injuries and 887 fatalities in 2017 alone.
Serious slips, trips, and falls cause wide ranges of debilitating, disabling, or deadly health issues, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), neck or back trauma, and spinal cord damage resulting in varying degrees of paralysis.
Some of the most common causes of workplace falls include:
- Poor lighting or reduced visibility
- Wet or slick surfaces
- Uneven flooring or surfaces
- Loose carpeting, rugs, or mats
- Cluttered surfaces and walkways
- Cords or cables in walkways
- Lack of appropriate fall protection, such as guardrails, nets, hazard warning devices, or harnesses
- Improper use of protective gear
- Insufficient hazard warnings
Severe fall injuries can happen to people in just about any line of work. However, due to the nature of their jobs, professionals in the following industries are particularly at risk of sustaining fall-related injuries:
- Construction
- Healthcare support
- Oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Building cleaning and maintenance
- Transportation and material moving
On-the-job falls frequently leave victims facing challenges with physical recovery, substantial medical bills, and significant time away from work. So it’s essential to know that if you suffered a workplace fall injury, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits such as coverage for medical expenses, reimbursement of lost wages, and temporary disability payments.
Have You Been Injured on the Job?
If you’ve been injured at work you need to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact us online or call our office directly at (800) 234-9556 to schedule your free consultation.