Sustaining injuries after a fall at work is likely more common than you think. In fact, in 2016, 48,060 Americans suffered from a slip and fall injury at work resulting in time off. An additional 697 cases of slip and fall injuries in the workplace resulted in fatalities. Falls can happen anywhere in the workplace. Whether it’s a construction site or an office, precautions must take place wherever you work. Read on as we explore what happens if you fall at work, what to do when you fall at work, ways to prevent falls, and more.
Common Causes for Falls at Work
Fall or tripping hazards occur in any workplace. While construction sites or manufacturing warehouses contain the most obvious fall hazards, office or desk jobs are not exempt from these tripping hazards. Falls occur when your shoes lose traction with the ground causing you to slip. Conditions such as water, ice, dust, or debris can all cause you to lose traction. Proper footwear must be worn at all times to minimize the risk of falling. Some of the most common causes of slip and fall at work include:
- Icy or wet surfaces
- Greasy or contaminated surfaces
- Lack of adequate lighting
- An unkempt or disorganized workspace
- Uncovered cabling
- Uneven flooring
- Damaged tiling, carpets, or rugs
- Unclosed bottom drawers
How to Prevent Slip and Fall Injuries in the Workplace
Below we list the best ways to prevent fall injuries in the workplace:
Training and Awareness
One of the most important ways to prevent fall injuries is proper training. Training allows workers to identify, report, and mitigate against any tripping hazards. It also allows workers to understand safety policies set out by slip and fall at work law as well as those set out by the employer.
Maintaining Housekeeping Protocols
Proper cleaning and housekeeping protocols keep workspaces from over-cluttering and free up walkways. Specifically, ensure you continually maintain these housekeeping measures:
- Immediately marking and cleaning up spills
- Add proper lighting to high traffic or working areas
- Cover up any cabling
- Securing loose rugs or mats
- Closing filing cabinets or drawers
- Regular sweeping or mopping of the floor
Wearing Suitable Footwear
Having appropriate footwear is especially important when working outside. Anti-slip properties vary based on differing conditions. That’s why it’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting appropriate footwear.
I Slipped and Fell at Work — Now What?
So you slipped and fell during work. What happens after a fall? Here are some of the next steps you should take after your fall incident.
- Seek Medical Attention
Always seek medical attention, even if the fall seems minor. Symptoms may seem mild or even non-existent at the outset of the incident. However, these minor symptoms can become more serious in a few days’ time. Not only is it wise to get it checked out for your own health, but claiming workers’ compensation benefits will also be much easier if you seek medical attention.
- Document Evidence
If possible, document evidence for what caused the fall. You can use your phone to take photos of the scene of the accident. Check for things like loose carpeting, cluttered spaces, or uncovered cabling. The more detailed your documentation, the easier it is for your employer, the insurance company, and your attorney to sort through the case.
- Notify Your Employer
Ensure you notify your employer and follow company protocols after your fall at work accident. Your employer must provide you with a claims form after a slip and fall at work. Workers’ comp insurance covers any injuries sustained at work, regardless of who is at fault. However, in order to claim compensation, you must notify your employer and submit the claim within a specified time limit.
- Seek Legal Assistance
Contact an attorney to help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation claims, employer-employee rights, and other legal issues that may arise.
You Need a Personal Injury Attorney After a Fall at Work
A personal injury attorney can play a vital role in getting you through a fall at work incident. From the outset of your incident to receiving the compensation you deserve, an experienced attorney will walk alongside you every step of the way. Attorneys can help you with the following after your fall at work:
- Filling out all the required paperwork and ensuring you don’t miss any deadlines
- Protecting your rights as an employee
- Maximizing your workers’ compensation settlement, especially if your ability to work has been temporarily or permanently affected
- Guiding you through the appeals process should your claim get rejected
- Putting pressure on insurance companies to approve costly medical procedures they would otherwise deny
Overall, attorneys act as a safety net you can rely on during what can be chaotic and stressful times. While you are recovering from injuries, allow an experienced personal injury attorney to look out for your best interests.
Valiente Mott
The Las Vegas personal injury attorney experts at Valiente Mott have an extensive track record of representing personal injury victims from all walks of life. If you were involved in a workplace accident, contact our team today! We offer a no-risk, free consultation for all our cases, with no charges unless we win.