Sadly, in the U.S., thousands of individuals die each year due to slip and fall accidents. In addition, around $70 billion annually is claimed by workers who have fallen in the workplace. Due to the extremely high amount of annual worker’s compensation claims, premiums are on the rise. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that adequate safety measures are taken to prevent slips and falls in the workplace. Many of us have accidentally slipped and fallen in our lives, and although these accidents may be injury-free, many slips and falls lead to broken bones, head injuries, or may even be fatal. Taking measures to prevent slips and falls in the workplace is essential to protect the safety of employees.
If you have become injured in the workplace or would like to discuss workplace injuries with an attorney, contact Ali Awad, ‘The CEO Lawyer’ at (470) 323-8779 or online to receive your free and confidential consultation. Attorney Ali Awad, ‘the CEO Lawyer,’ established the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm and quickly turned it into one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country. When you need help with a workplace personal injury claim, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Firm provides free consultations, and if we take your case, you won’t pay anything until we win.
Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace
Slips, trips, and falls in the workplace are a significant cause of concern due to their prevalence and the potential severity of the accident. As slips, trips, and falls may lead to serious injury. It is pertinent to understand the factors that may lead to a slip and fall so that they may be avoided.
Slip and fall accidents may occur due to:
- Inclement weather
- Cables and wires
- Missing steps or damaged stairways
- Absent handrails
- Obstructions in walkways
- Uneven floors
- Damp, greasy, waxed, or wet flooring
How To Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace?
Many employers and employees wonder how they may prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace to reduce the chance of injury. Due to the fact that the workplace is a common place for slip and fall accidents to occur, hazardous conditions must be minimized so that employees may be protected from slip and fall accidents. In addition to ensuring that employees wear proper attire and shoes where required, follow the following tips to ensure that the workplace is safe:
Keep the Workplace Clean and Organized
It is essential to keep the workplace clean and free of clutter. Ensure that all equipment, walkways, tools, and workspaces are regularly cleaned and that items are put away properly.
Ensure that floors are free of debris and objects. Any objects on shelving that may be knocked over should be secured. Avoid leaving boxes and items around doorways and aisles. Ensure that all loose cords are tucked away or taped down. Files, trash, or boxes should be kept from walkways.
Use Floor Markings, Safety Signs, and Labels
If the workspace has potential hazards that employees should be aware of, it is best to mark floors to show workers and visitors where to travel safely. Directional arrows, safety tape, and other signs may indicate areas to avoid and make employees aware of potential dangers. Conduct workplace inspections regularly to be on the lookout for potential hazards. Ensure that all signs and labels are highly visible.
Use Proper, Sufficient Lighting
Ensure the workplace has ample lighting, especially around entrances, exits, and shared working areas. Proper lighting will help people avoid potential hazards and make slips, trips, and falls less likely. In addition, in the event of an emergency, it is essential that people can easily and see their way to safety.
Overcome Stairway Hazards
As far as slips and falls go, stairways are notorious for causing issues for workers and the public. Therefore, it is essential to keep all stairways in the workplace well maintained. Ensure that there is no loose debris or spills on stairways that may lead to a fall. If there are slippery stairs due to inclement weather or any other reason, ensure that safety measures are taken to make people aware of the hazard. Stairways should always have sufficient lighting. Grip strips may also be installed on many staircases to reduce slip and fall risks.
Eliminate Slippery Surfaces
Workplace floors should continually be monitored for signs of wetness or spills. When a spill has occurred, it should be cleaned up immediately and a visible warning sign placed near the wet area. Wet walking areas account for the majority of slip and fall accidents. Sidewalks, parking lots, and floors are common areas that may become wet due to rain or other spilled liquids leading to falls. Ensure that wet floor signs are always used when floors are being washed.
Additionally, employers should ensure that all employees are adequately trained to properly clean floors and be on the lookout for potential workplace hazards. Ice and snow should be removed from walkways. Parking lots and sidewalks should be kept neat and clean. In any food preparation areas, mats should be used.
Conducting a Slip and Fall Audit in the Workplace
All walkways and high-traffic areas should be regularly inspected to minimize all slip and fall accident risks. Cleaning and maintenance procedures should be audited. Create daily, weekly, and monthly evaluations of all workspace areas.
Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
In the event that either you have become injured at the workplace due to a slip and fall accident, it is best to contact an experienced slip and fall accident attorney right away. Ali Awad, ‘the CEO Lawyer,’ and his team of experienced personal injury and accident attorneys can review the circumstances of your specific case with you and discuss your legal options for recourse.
Contact the CEO Attorney Personal Injury Law Firm at (470) 323-8779 or online to receive your free and confidential case evaluation. Determining negligence in a slip and fall injury case can be difficult to prove. However, having an experienced personal injury attorney fighting for you can help you to focus your time and energy on healing.
