Fall Injury Hazards in the Workplace: Common Claims and Prevention Tips
Out of any injury you might have at your workplace, falling is one of the common ones. In fact, there were over 450,000 nonfatal work injuries involving falls in 2022 alone. It can happen at any time in virtually any industry, and may lead to serious consequences. Learn more about some of the most common fall-related claims and what you can do to stay safe.
Common Fall Injury Hazards in the Workplace
Many types of falls can happen while you’re at work. However, some scenarios lead to claims more than others, such as:
- Slippery or wet surfaces such as spills, freshly cleaned floors, or tracked-in rain/snow
- Uneven flooring, loose rugs, or cluttered walkways
- Poor lighting in hallways, rooms, or stairwells
- Ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms, especially in fields like construction and warehouse environments
Regardless of the industry, these accidents can lead to long-term injuries and significant damages.
How To Prevent Fall Injury Hazards In The Workplace
With falls being among the most common workplace hazards, finding ways to prevent them is a crucial part of ensuring everyone’s safety. Here are a few ways to keep reducing risks and prevent injuries from happening on the job:
Keep Walkways Clear
Slips and falls often occur due to simple mistakes, such as spills, clutter in walkways, or a poorly placed rug. Always keep walkways clear of anything that could cause someone to fall, whether it’s a couple of boxes or a few cables. Also, try to use slip-resistant mats whenever there’s bad weather. This gives you an extra layer of protection and helps prevent accidents before they happen.
Improve Lighting
Dark stairwells, hallways, or storage areas can hide safety hazards that could’ve easily been avoided with proper lighting. Keeping these places well-lit throughout the day makes it easier to see obstacles and get around. If you want to take it a step further, use a motion sensor or automatic lighting. They work well in busy areas where lights are left off, ensuring the space has proper lighting whenever someone walks through.
Always Use Proper Equipment
Did you know that 25% of fatal falls involve scaffolding accidents? Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or work platforms are among the most serious incidents you could encounter on the job. For this reason, always follow safety regulations like proper climbing techniques and wearing safety equipment to avoid any issues.
Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers Are Here To Help
There are many ways to create a safe work environment and prevent work-related falls from happening. But despite the safety measures, accidents like these can still occur at any time.
Thankfully, New York’s workers’ compensation system can provide a financial lifeline during your recovery. For decades, our attorneys have helped thousands of workers in New York secure medical coverage, wage replacement, and other benefits after their workplace injuries. We’ll walk you through the whole process and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. Please contact us at 855-905-4452 to schedule a free consultation today.