From construction, to manufacturing, to health care, falls are a serious danger in a wide range of workplaces. When it comes to dangerous falls, a lot of attention goes to falls from heights. This is unsurprising, as such falls can lead to especially serious injuries and are responsible for hundreds of workplace deaths a year. However, it is important to remember that a fall doesn’t need to be from heights to cause you significant harm.
A range of things can lead to workers who are not working at heights suffering falls. Common causes of falls on the same level include being exposed to slippery surfaces or tripping hazards.
While falls from heights have a much higher workplace fatality count, falls on the same level have the potential to take lives as well. National Safety Council numbers indicate that, in 2014, falls on the same level were responsible for 138 workplace deaths.
Such falls can also expose workers to a range of significant injuries, such as brain injuries, broken bones, back injuries and neck injuries.
Prevention steps
So, fall prevention is not just important for individuals who work at heights. What can workers do to try to keep themselves safe from falls on the same level? Here are some workplace fall prevention steps you may want to keep in mind:
- Be watchful for slipping or tripping hazards
- When slipping or tripping hazards are spotted, take steps to address them
- When walking, keep an eye out for elevation changes
- When working outside, be mindful of if weather conditions are creating any added fall risks
- Wear appropriate shoes at work
- Avoid distractions when walking
- Walk at an appropriate speed for workplace conditions
When harmful falls happen in the workplace
Even the most vigilant workers can end up encountering workplace hazards that expose them to harmful workplace accidents, such as falls. When a fall on the same level at work leaves you with impactful injuries, you have many questions, including questions on your legal rights. Seeking out guidance to get accurate answers to these questions can be very important, as what happens with issues like workers’ comp after you suffer workplace injuries can have major impacts on your recovery and life.