What Are Common Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents?

March 16, 2022

One of the major causes of workers’ compensation injuries is when workers slip and fall on the job. Slip and fall accidents can happen in almost any type of employment situation. It can happen in a production plant, a warehouse, a construction site, or even an office type environment where an employee slips on a wet bathroom floor. Also, slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries. If you have been injured from a work-related slip and fall accident, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

 

Slip and fall work injuries can be severe, sometimes needing surgery and months of being off work. That is why it is extremely important to contact an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer to make sure your rights are protected and you are receiving the correct wage and medical benefits.

 

Common Causes of Falls at Work

 

As mentioned earlier, slip and fall accidents while working can happen in any type of work environment and can happen to anyone, no matter what their job. There are certain industries and job types in which slip and falls happen more often. Some of the most common causes of falls in the workplace include:

 

• Wet and slippery flooring
• Damaged or uneven flooring or kicked up carpeting
• Spills that have not been properly cleaned, such as liquids, grease, oil, etc.
• Weather hazards such as icy and snow-covered walkways
• Loose rugs or mats
• Unmarked, unexpected stairs or stairways that are not up to code
• Poor or no lighting
• Loose electrical wires and cables, especially in walkways
• Clutter on the floor, such as boxes and other items
• Narrow or poorly lit stairs
• Lack of hand railing on stairs or railings at the incorrect height
• Potholes in parking lots
• Lack of requirement to wear non-slip shoes and/or boots

 

Slip and fall accidents at work are quite common. There is no exact average yearly number of work-related falls. However, in a recent year, the National Safety Council estimated that slip and fall accidents in the construction industry accounted for 24,700 injuries.

 

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

 

Slip and fall accidents can be very serious and cause significant injuries. Here are the common injuries than are seen in these types of work accidents:

 

• Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can cause a worker to have significant symptoms, treatment, and life-long problems. Concussions, fractured skulls, brain swelling, and brain bleeds can even be life threatening.

 

• Hip, leg, and ankle fractures: One of the common slip and fall injuries are broken bones in the hips, legs, and ankles. Hitting the ground or floor hard can twist legs and ankles and easily break bones.

 

• Shoulder injuries: Another common slip and fall injury are injuries to shoulders, whether it be broken bones, torn muscles, or torn ligaments and tendons. A common shoulder injury is a rotator cuff tear. Shoulder injuries are commonly caused by the fact that when someone falls, they will often put out their arm to break the fall. That jarring of the arm and the force behind the fall can actually fracture the shoulder and cause serious injuries such as rotator cuff tears and shoulder nerve damage.

 

• Hand and wrist injuries: Another common trauma caused by the mechanics of a fall involves wrist and hand injuries. Again, when someone falls, they will likely instinctively put out their arm to break their fall. When this happens, the force of the fall can fracture someone’s wrist or hand or cause other musculoskeletal problems.

 

• Back or spinal cord injuries: Just like with many other types of injuries, slip and fall injuries can cause back injuries and spinal cord injuries. Injured workers can suffer from torn muscles, bulging disks, or even herniated disks that can cause serious nerve injuries.

 

Delaware County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Help Injured Pennsylvania Workers

 

If you have suffered from a work-related slip and fall injury, reach out to the Delaware County workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello. Our experienced law team will fight for your right to receive all of the wage and medical benefits for which you are entitled. Learn more at a free consultation by filling out an online registration form or calling 610-892-4940. Our office is in Media, Pennsylvania. We represent clients in Media, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, West Chester, and throughout Pennsylvania.