One of the best ways to avoid slips, trips, and falls at work is to pay attention to your surroundings and avoid hazards like wet floors, loose rugs, or uneven surfaces. However, severe falls can also occur due to an employer or another party’s carelessness.
It’s easy to forget a minor slip and fall. However, severe or life-changing injuries can lead to astronomical medical bills, lost wages, and other financial hardships. That’s when Morgan & Morgan can step in and help you get justice. Our experienced slip and fall lawyers can help you receive workers’ compensation benefits and assess whether you qualify for a personal injury lawsuit. Contact us now, and we will evaluate your case for free.
Where Most Serious Slips, Trips, and Falls Happen
Work-related falls can occur in many industries. However, specific jobs, such as working in the construction industry, are riskier than others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that over a third of all deaths in construction occurred from falls. This is unsurprising given the nature of construction work, which often involves working at heights from scaffolds, ladders, or roofs. Other dangerous industries where falls are common include:
- Transportation and warehousing
- Agriculture
- Mining
- Education
- Health services
- Oil and gas extraction
Preventing Fall Injuries at Work
There is a lot of truth to the saying “prevention is better than cure.” Employers must ensure that workers don’t face unreasonable dangers at work. Avoiding slips and falls should be a priority for both employers and workers. Here are some ways that can help prevent falls in the workplace:
Workplace Safety Audits
Before implementing safety measures, auditing the workplace can be an excellent idea. An audit helps to identify hazards, such as uneven flooring or poorly lit areas and provides recommendations for a safer workplace. An audit can also help employers create a comprehensive plan to address fall hazards.
Adequate Training
Safety training can be essential in preventing slips, trips, and falls at work. Training will depend on the industry but can include topics such as:
- Safe ladder and scaffold use
- Correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Identifying and removing potential fall hazards.
- What to do when a fall or emergency occurs
Safety Equipment
Workers can often prevent injuries by simply using adequate safety gear and equipment. For instance, non-slip footwear, safety harnesses, or guardrails can go a long way in preventing falls. Employers must provide workers with the appropriate equipment for their job duties and train them on correctly using safety gear.
Good Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is one of the most effective ways of reducing slips and falls in the workplace and can include:
- Placing warning signs in hazardous areas
- Cleaning spills and debris on floors promptly
- Covering cables on floors
- Removing clutter and obstacles from walkways
- Securing loose mats and rugs
- Installing good lighting in work areas
Regular Maintenance
Workplace maintenance can include:
- Repairing damaged flooring or equipment
- Replacing worn-out non-slip surfaces
- Ensuring good lighting
Regular maintenance helps businesses and employers identify and fix hazards before they become serious problems for workers.
Reporting Hazards
Employers should encourage workers to look for any dangers and promptly report their concerns or near-miss incidents to supervisors or managers. Empowering employees to take an active role in workplace safety helps employers identify hazards and prevent falls from occurring in the future.
Unfortunately, not all employers and companies prioritize workers’ health. Morgan & Morgan’s slip and fall lawyers could help you recover damages if you or a loved one got harmed at work.
What You Should Do After a Workplace Fall
If you experienced a slip and fall at work and suffered significant injuries, the following steps can be critical for protecting your health and legal rights.
Report the Fall Immediately
Tell your employer or supervisor as soon as possible about your fall and injury. Reporting an accident is critical for two reasons:
- It creates an official record of the incident, which can be essential evidence if you need to pursue legal action later on.
- Your employer is legally obligated to investigate and address workplace accidents. Reporting your fall can help prevent future accidents.
Document the Accident Scene
Try to document the scene of your fall as thoroughly as possible. Take pictures of the hazard causing your fall, such as a faulty ladder or wet floors. Ask witnesses for their contact details. If you need to pursue a lawsuit, witness statements can help you win your case.
See a Doctor
Even if your injuries are minor, see a doctor immediately after a workplace fall. Some injuries, such as concussions or sprains, may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can evaluate you and provide appropriate treatment. Seeking medical help also documents your injuries on paper, which is critical for your workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Ask your employer for the necessary workers’ comp forms to fill out. You will need to provide detailed information about your injury and accident. Once your employer files your paperwork, their insurance carrier will investigate your claim and determine whether you qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer
A slip and fall lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help you understand your legal options, negotiate with your employer or insurance company, and protect your rights. Remember that you may have only a short time to file a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit, so it’s important to act quickly.