June is National Safety Month: Slips, Trips, and Falls

7June is National Safety Month: Slips, Trips, and Falls

Workplace safety is a major concern. The National Safety Council (NSC), along with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), designates June as National Safety Month. The designation is designed to help reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. The last week of the month focuses on slips, trips, and falls.

 

Slips, Trips, and Falls are Common

Slips, trips, and falls are the third leading cause of preventable workplace injuries. According to the NSC, more than 127,000 workers were injured, and 136 died as a result of workplace falls. The most common type of fall is one that occurs on the same level. To be considered a same-elevation fall, several factors must apply. The injury must have occurred due to an impact between a person and the source of impact, without elevation. In many cases, this is contact with the floor. The person’s movement caused the injury, along with gravity, which forced the person down.

 

Charlotte Injury Lawyer Matt Arnold answers the question: “What is the value of my case?”

 

Injuries Caused by Slips, Trips, and Falls

Many injuries can occur due to slips, trips, and falls. The most commonly reported injuries include soreness and pain, sprains, strains, tears, fractures, bruises, and cuts. About 6% of work-related fall victims reported multiple traumatic injuries, including head injuries. Many injuries require medical treatment, and some require hospital stays and surgery.

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About a third of injuries occur to the lower extremities, primarily to the knees. About a fourth of the injuries occur to the upper extremities, such as the shoulder, arms, or head. Other times, injuries occur to the back or trunk of the body. Those who suffer serious injuries due to a fall at work may be owed compensation through workers’ compensation. If you suffer severe injuries due to a fall at a location such as a restaurant, store, or another place, the negligent party may owe you money for your damages.

 

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Many slips, trips, and falls are preventable. There are many ways to prevent accidents and injuries. Wear shoes with soles that grip the floor. Inspect the floor to make sure it is not wet or slippery and that there are no obstacles in the way. Employers must take steps to keep the workplace safe at all times. If a floor is damaged, the company must make the necessary repairs. When a floor is wet, the employer must dry it and must mark it as dangerous in the meantime. Employees should not run or be allowed to horseplay on the premises.

 

What to Do About a Trip, Slip, or Fall Injury

If you suffer an injury due to a trip, slip, or fall, you should make a report immediately. If you are at a restaurant or store, report the injury to the manager and make a police report. Take photos of the area where the incident occurred, and talk to any witnesses. Seek medical care as soon as possible. Keep records of your medical diagnosis and treatment. If the injury was due to the negligence of the owner, they may be held accountable for the damages. Damages include your medical bills, lost wages due to the injury, and money for pain and suffering, among other things.

 

If you or a loved one was seriously hurt due to a slip, trip, or fall that was not your fault, you may be owed compensation. Contact us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a consultation.

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The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.

 

Source:

Head Injuries (Contusion, Hematoma, Skull Fracture): Causes, Treatments, Headaches After (webmd.com)

Work Safety: Falls to the Same Level – Injury Facts (nsc.org)

 

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