Most Common Causes of Workplace Falls
Unfortunately, almost every workplace presents hazards of falling. You may think of construction sites as common workplaces where a dangerous fall is likely to occur, but even an office environment presents risks of falling if a worker is trying to change a lightbulb or trips on a loose computer cable. A fall could result in serious injuries, a workers' compensation claim, and months off work during recovery, so it's in everyone's best interest to promote safety in the workplace. Here are some common causes of falls on the job and how to prevent them.
Falls From Heights
It's clear that falls present a serious hazard on the job, and some of the most severe accidents result in falling from heights. Roofers, painters, electricians, arborists, and other workers who frequently perform their job duties on elevated surfaces are most at risk of falling from heights.
If you perform any kind of work at a height of six feet or more, it's crucial to take your safety seriously. Always wear the harness, helmet, or other personal protective equipment provided by your employer. You should receive training on how to use this equipment properly. The goal is that if the worst occurs and you do fall, your equipment will catch or protect you and reduce the severity of any potential injuries. When you file a workers' compensation claim, you'll likely be asked whether you were using protective equipment correctly, so always keep your safety in mind no matter how experienced you are on the job.
Falls on the Same Level
Even falls from the same level can cause serious injuries. Any employee could trip and slip at their workplace, resulting in a fall that injures their head, back, arms, or other body parts. Uneven or slippery walking surfaces could be present in a wide range of environments, from a retail store to a medical facility, so every employee needs to be alert and watch out for hazards. Walkways should be free of clutter, and spills should be cleaned up immediately.
Filing for Workers' Compensation
If you fall and injure yourself while on the job, you could rack up costly medical bills and lost wages while you recover. Your employer should provide workers' compensation benefits to cover these losses and ensure that you can return to work fully healed without suffering a financial hit. If you have any questions about applying for these benefits, ask a workers' compensation lawyer to assist you.