Suffering an injury from an accident at work can be a traumatic experience. General workplace accidents and injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe traumas such as brain injuries, broken bones, sprains, and lacerations are most commonly caused by slips, trips, and falls. These are also the most common causes of workers’ compensation claims.
Many people are unsure of what to do after an accident to protect their rights and ensure they receive the appropriate care. Furthermore, some of them are unaware of their legal rights should they become injured due to a slip and fall accident at work.
This article will provide tips on how you can handle slip and fall accidents at work and how to find the best personal injury law firm in North Carolina or any part of the US.
Workplace tips for handling slip and fall accidents
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, slips, trips, and falls account for most general industry accidents. It is considered the second-leading cause of unintentional deaths, accounting for 15% of deaths each year. Moreover, it accounts for more than 95 million lost workdays, or around 65% of all lost workdays.
Slips and trips occur when the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface changes unintentionally or unexpectedly. This shows the importance of excellent housekeeping, the quality of walking surfaces or flooring, the selection of the proper footwear, and walking at a good pace to prevent falls.
Below are some tips for handling slips, trips, and falls that you can follow to avoid injuries and protect yourself in the event of an accident:
Practice excellent housekeeping techniques
Housekeeping is one of the main factors contributing to slips, trips, and falls. It is essential to practice excellent housekeeping techniques by keeping your work area clean and organized to prevent these accidents.
Do whatever it takes to keep your workspace tidy – you can sweep, vacuum, organize, nail down, and secure. You should remove any debris or obstruction in pathways and walkways and immediately clean up any spills or hazardous material. It’s not just more pleasurable to work in a well-organized and clean atmosphere, it’s also safer.
Wear the appropriate footwear
To prevent slips, trips, and falls, it is vital to wear the appropriate footwear. This means wearing shoes that have a good grip and are non-skid. Rubber soles are ideal for wet or oily areas, and shoes with heels less than two inches are recommended. Additionally, avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that might get caught in machinery.
Take care when walking
When walking, always take small steps and keep your balance. When carrying something, hold it close to your body. Do not carry anything in your hands that will take your attention away from where you’re going.
Be cautious when walking on the stairs. You should always hold on to the railing and use both feet to step on each stair. Do not run or jump downstairs.
Make sure you have good lighting
It is crucial to have good lighting in your work area to avoid accidents. This means ensuring that all areas are well-lit, especially walkways and staircases. If you are working in a dark or dimly lit room, use a flashlight or wear reflective clothing.
You should also replace any damaged or non-working bulbs as soon as possible.
Report any hazards
If you notice any potential hazards in your work area, report them to your supervisor immediately. These can include wet floors, broken tiles, cables running across walkways, and uneven surfaces.
Someone in your workplace should also be in charge of regularly inspecting floors and surfaces to ensure that any spills are cleaned up quickly. Keep an eye on the entryways and walkways for potential hazards in bad weather.
Remove obstacles from aisles and doorways
Keep boxes and clutter out of situations where people could trip. After work, take a few extra minutes to put things away, such as dangling cables and other items.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible
If it is unavoidable, seek medical attention as soon as possible after a slip, trip, or fall. This is especially important if you are injured and are experiencing any pain, swelling, or bruising. Delaying medical attention can often lead to more severe injuries.
Get legal advice
If you were injured recently in a workplace accident, it is vital to seek legal assistance. Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you file a claim and get the medical attention and benefits you deserve.
Finding the right lawyer is not an easy task, but it is one that you can’t do without proper research. Most of the time, doing a Google search will suffice, but the reality is that, you won’t be able to know if the lawyer you’ll work with understands your needs thoroughly if you haven’t spoken to them in person.
Lawyers often offer free consultations, so make sure you take advantage of that. Hiring the right lawyer will not only speed up the process of getting compensation but will also save you from stress and extra expenses.
Takeaway
Accidents in the workplace are unavoidable. However, following these simple tips can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a slip, trip, or fall. Remember to be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when walking or working in hazardous areas. If you experience an accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible and contact an attorney specializing in workers’ compensation law.
