The Importance of Slip & Fall Accident Prevention
Slips and falls are some of the most common workplace accidents that occur and, though they may not sound serious, this type of accident can actually result in some serious injuries.
Slips, trips, and fall cases can lead to time out of work for recovery and some have even resulted in death. Given the severity of some of these cases, it is in every employer’s best interest that slip and fall accidents should be prevented by maintaining a safe workplace environment.
Contact the professionals at J. David Smith, Attorney at Law to schedule a consultation with a skilled personal injury attorney.
What Are Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents?
The most common causes of slips and falls are:
- Wet or oiled floors
- Unanchored floor mats
- Or flooring that lacks traction
Trips often happen when a person’s foot strikes or catches on an object, resulting in a loss of balance. More often than not, workers trip because of cluttered walkways, inadequate lighting, uncovered cables, left open drawers, and wrinkled carpet or rugs.
How Can Slip and Fall Accidents be Prevented in the Workplace?
Below is a list of tips that can help prevent slip & fall accidents in the workplace:
- Clean up spills immediately or display an adequate warning sign in place to alert workers to any dangerous conditions
- Keep walkways or hallways free of any obstacles that a worker can potentially trip on
- Keep all cabinets and drawers shut when they are not in use
- Move cables or cords that are in walkways to keep workers from tripping and falling over them
- Replace any burnt-out light bulbs and ensure all areas are well lit so employees can see where they are walking
- Get abrasive floor mats installed or replace worn-out flooring
- Encourage employees to always wear comfortable, fitted shoes that are workplace appropriate
According to the CDC, falls are capable of happening in all occupational settings, especially those in which there are:
- Frequently slippery floors
- Cluttered walking surfaces
- Unprotected edges
- Holes in the floor or openings in the wall
- Ladders in unsafe positions
- And misused fall protection
Additional Safety Tips
- Urge employees to walk at a pace that is appropriate for the surface they are on or the task they are performing
- Walk with their feet slightly pointed outward
- Make wide turns when walking around corners
- And use handrails while on the stairs
Skilled Workplace Injury Attorneys in Connecticut
If you sustained an injury caused by slipping and falling at work, you have a right to pursue fair and just compensation that will cover the costs associated with your injuries.
Get started on your workplace injury case today and reach out to our law firm at (855) 973-1098 or contact us online to request a free initial case evaluation with our compassionate attorney.