According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips and falls are one of the top three causes of non-fatal work injuries involving days off.
They lead to sprains, strains, cuts, bruises, and broken bones. And they can also cause permanent disability.
1. Slips and falls are the leading cause of workplace injuries
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics says that slips and falls are one of the most common types of workplace accidents. They can result in serious injuries or death, such as broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord damage.
In addition to causing significant losses to your business, these incidents can cause employees to miss work, which costs you time and money. Investing in a comprehensive safety program can save you both.
Regardless of your industry, if you’re in a workplace where there is a risk of slips and falls, it’s your duty as a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to eliminate these hazards so far as is reasonably practicable.
However, even the most thorough risk assessment cannot remove every possible hazard in your workplace. You also need to ensure that employees understand the risks they are exposed to and how to reduce them by taking reasonable care for themselves. In addition, you need to ensure that your workers know the appropriate safety equipment to wear in their specific tasks and how to use it.
2. Slips and falls are the leading cause of home injuries
In the United States, slips and falls are the leading cause of home injuries. These accidents result in more emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths than any other type of accident.
Unlike workplace slips and falls, most of these home accidents are preventable. A number of hazardous conditions can lead to falls, including improperly maintained floors or slippery surfaces.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall, contact an attorney who can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will investigate the case to determine if someone else was at fault for your injury.
Wet floors are the most common reason for home slips and falls, but they can also be caused by other factors. For example, elderly and sickly people have a decreased sense of balance, which can increase their chances of falling.
3. Slips and falls are the leading cause of death in the U.S.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. They can help you determine the value of your claim and bring an action for recovery.
Injuries resulting from falls can be serious and result in long-term damage, liabilities, and even death. Often, these accidents are not the victim’s fault.
Older people are more likely to suffer falls and get injuries as a result. They are also more susceptible to fractures.
Among older adults, the most common fractures include hip fractures and spinal cord injury.
In addition to these physical injuries, a fall can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can lead to memory loss and other issues. This is why it’s important for seniors to seek medical attention after a fall, especially if they have other conditions that increase their risk of falling. Moreover, falls may be more dangerous if they occur while taking medicines that affect balance and coordination.
4. Slips and falls are the leading cause of death in the U.K.
A recent study by the National Safety Council has found that slips and falls are the leading cause of death among people aged 65 or older. These accidents can have a massive impact on the lives of older people, from physical injuries and long-term health effects to trauma, loss of mobility and social isolation.
One of the most serious impacts of a fall is a traumatic brain injury, known as a brain haemorrhage. This can lead to paralysis and can also cause death in some cases.
RoSPA has launched a new campaign called ‘Fall Fighters’ to raise awareness of the risks of falling and how to prevent them. The free-of-charge initiative offers a choice of three ways to learn about the risk factors for falling: a self-led workshop, a short e-learning course and a virtual classroom session run by RoSPA. Following completion, individuals are deemed a ‘RoSPA Fall Fighter’ and armed with a digital toolkit which they can share with their own networks to help others understand the risks of falling.
