Workplace injuries can occur in many different ways. It is only natural to first think of accidents that may involve heavy machinery, power tools, or even motor vehicles that you use on the job when you have concerns about workplace injuries. However, some workplace injuries can happen when you least expect and in the most seemingly innocuous locations. For example, while falls may be more expected on a construction site, a white collar worker in an office building also has the potential to fall down and sustain injuries.
Injuries suffered in different types of falls can be severe and can even cause long-lasting impairments or even death. In fact, statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)1 indicate that more than 212,700 workers sustained injuries that were considered to be serious in falls while an additional 605 workers died as a result of fall injuries. The falls included in this data were both from a higher level down to a lower level and same-level falls.
Anyone who sustains injuries in any type of fall accident at work has the right to receive medical care and other compensation benefits from the workers’ compensation program. You should never hesitate to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to go over your case and ensure you are receiving the full amount of benefits you deserve after your workplace fall injuries.
Falls from heights
Falls from even the slightest height can cause severe injuries upon your landing, especially if you land on top of an object. Some tasks can that lead to falls from heights can include:
- Installing or changing light fixtures
- Roofing
- Building construction on scaffolding, cranes, or ladders
- Utility repairs
- Window washing or repair
- Any task that involves standing on a step stool or ladder
Even if your job duties do not include working from heights, you can suffer a fall if you simply volunteer to stand on a step ladder to reach something on a high shelf or similar tasks in the workplace that are not necessarily related to your everyday duties.
Slip and fall accidents
Even if you are never at a height off the ground while at your workplace, you can still fall down on the same level. Slips, trips, and falls happen in offices and workplaces on a daily basis and can cause surprisingly serious injuries. Slip and falls are particularly common for workers in restaurants, bars, grocery stores, or other retail establishments. Some of the causes of slip and falls at work can include the following:
- Cluttered walkways
- Slippery or wet floors
- Unstable surfaces in halls or work spaces
- Holes or gaps in the floor
- Uneven floors or steps
- Poorly lit walkways or staircases
- Broken railings
Any type of fall accident has the potential to cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, neck and back injuries, broken bones, sprains or strains, contusions, and many more that can have long-lasting effects.
If you believe you are injured following a fall at work, you should not delay in informing your employer that you require medical attention. Your employer will notify you of workers’ compensation-approved medical providers, if applicable, and the process of making a claim will begin. Though you should go ahead with a medical evaluation to be sure your injuries are stabilized and properly treated, your next step should be to discuss your injuries with a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer.
This post was submitted by Dolman Law Group of Clearwater, Bradenton and St. Petersburg, FL. Please click here to visit their profile page.
References:
1http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/
