The Number One Cause of Workplace Injury as Explained by a Slip and Fall Lawyer
People planning to enter the job market must juggle a lot of factors to find their best job scenario. They must ask themselves what kind of business they want to work for and where they want to be located, among myriad other considerations. What are they most likely to not ask? The question regarding chances of a workplace injury.
Getting hurt in the workplace is still a very real possibility, even in today’s high-tech world. In 2015 alone, over 4,000 workplace injuries turned into fatalities. Only four causes claim responsibility for more than 60% of these deaths. The ‘Fatal Four’ include slips and falls, struck by falling objects, electrocution, and getting trapped between objects.
Slips and falls accounted for nearly 40% of workplace fatalities in 2015, four times more than any other cause. They also lead all causes for those injuries that result in disabilities, which annually cost around $7.94 billion nationwide. Given these numbers, it is only smart for everyone to learn to protect themselves in the workplace, especially from slips and falls.
Hazards that Cause Slips and Falls
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) report that the presence of contaminants on the floor is one of the top hazards that cause workers to slip and fall, especially in the healthcare industry. Water, grease, oil, fluids, and food are each considered as contaminants in this context. Accidents are more frequently seen in the pantry, bathroom, or building entrances.
Uneven floors, due to poor matting or cracked walkways, often cause people to take a stumble as well. Ice and snow during the winter create a seasonal hazard that requires vigilance when walking or running.
Ways to Prevent Slip and Fall Hazards
Wearing slip-resistant shoes can help lower your risk of falling when confronted by these hazards. In this vein, the fit and comfort are also important to make sure your footwear is able to do its job properly.
While slip-resistant shoes are important for your own personal protection, alerting someone else of a hazard is equally important. By doing so, you are protecting the safety of your co-workers and the community. Call the housekeeping department at your office to deal with the issue. At the very least, you should post a wet floor sign so that other people know to avoid the area.
By definition, an accident is something that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally. If you do find yourself dealing with a slip and fall incident in Oklahoma, consult with a professional slip and fall lawyer to find out the best course of action for your situation.
For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.
Sources:
Painful Statistics on Slips, Trips, and Falls, Arbill.com
Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention for Healthcare Workers, CDC.gov