Slips and falls can cause life-changing injuries and death, even from seemingly low elevations. Employees are at risk of dangerous slips, especially if a workplace is unorganized and dirty.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that in recent years, 78 workers died from slipping or falling while on the job in Florida, accounting for 25% of all fatal workplace injuries in the state.
Slip and fall hazards
Any workplace with poor housekeeping, meaning the organization and cleanliness of a job site, may have unseen slipping hazards. Some examples could be:
- Puddles and liquid leaks
- Unfinished or damaged flooring
- Unmarked elevated steps
- Poor lighting
- Exposed wiring
- Loose items such as waste and construction materials
- Faulty equipment, such as ladders and mats
If an employer does not address these hazards in the workplace, an employee could fall and suffer serious injuries.
Possible injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents are serious and have been known to cause some of these injuries:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): If a worker falls and hits their head, they might sustain a TBI. Such accidents can cause concussions, amnesia and seizures. They can also permanently affect an individual’s motor skills, mental capacity and even personality.
- Musculoskeletal injuries: Employees may also be at risk of bone breaks and fractures, joint and ligament tears, dislocations and sprains if they slip and are unable to safely absorb the impact. This could force workers out of work for months up to over a year.
- Nerve damage: A strong impact from a fall could result in nerve damage. A worker suffering from this may experience long-term symptoms such as weakness, intense pain and burning sensations, and difficulty recognizing touch sensations.
It is important to understand that any workplace can have these hazards, especially if an employer does not maintain housekeeping at a job site. If you suffer injuries due to a slip and fall while working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
