Slip and Falls at Work

Slip and Falls at Work

By Pyle Law, Reviewed by E. Thomas Pyle November 30 2020 6:37 pm

Slip and fall accidents are common in the workplace, and they often lead to serious injuries. Construction workers are the most vulnerable to slip and falls, but even teachers and office workers are at risk.

Slip and fall accidents are often caused by poorly maintained and kept walkways and elevated work surfaces on the job. These accidents are common and have the potential to be serious, and resulting injuries can leave you off the job for a considerable amount of time. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident at work, it’s time to consult with an experienced Kansas workers’ compensation attorney.

Taking the Statistics to Heart 

The National Safety Council shares statistics (based on data from 2016) that make it clear exactly how serious slip and falls on the job can be:

• Nearly 700 workers died, and more than 48,000 were seriously injured in slip and falls from higher to lower levels, which can be the most serious slip and falls. 
• 134 workers were killed in slip and fall accidents that occurred on the same level.
• Construction workers are more than seven times more likely to be injured in slip and falls, but even desk workers are at risk.

Consider the following breakdowns related to slip and falls (same level and from a higher level) for various industries:

• Construction workers experienced 384 deaths and 24,700 injuries.
• People working in manufacturing experienced 49 deaths and 22.040 injuries.
• People working in the wholesale trade experienced 21 deaths and 10,250 injuries.
• People working in retail experienced 29 deaths and 29,830 injuries.
• People working in education and health services experienced 44 deaths and 63,350 injuries.
• People working in professional and business services experienced 111 deaths and 22,090 injuries

Slip and fall accidents happen, and they are often quite serious. 

Please read: What Are the Main Causes of Injuries When Using Forklifts?

Preventing Dangerous Slip and Fall Accidents

NSC shares that slip and falls are 100 percent preventable, and in their Safety+Health publication, they provide the following tips for helping to prevent them on the job:

• Spills should be cleaned up immediately, and when they can’t be, they should be marked by bright yellow warning signs.
• Hallways and walkways should be well lit and free from clutter, debris, and other obstacles.
• Filing cabinets and desk drawers should remain closed when not in use.
• Cords and cables in walkways should be secured and covered.
• Worn flooring should be replaced (with abrasive flooring that provides more traction if possible).
• Employees should be encouraged to wear shoes that are appropriate for the job at hand, that fit properly, and that are comfortable on the job. 

Further reading: How Much Compensation for Back Injury at Work?

An Experienced Kansas Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help 

Slip and fall accidents on the job are both more dangerous and more common than most people realize. If a slip and fall leaves you injured at work, the dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys at Pyle Law in Kansas have the experience, resources, and drive to help you fully recover for your losses. Your case is important, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 620-374-9299 to learn more today.