Fall accidents are the most common types of accidents that occur and can happen anywhere, at any given time. In fact, fall accidents are reported as the most common cause of workers’ compensation claims and, oftentimes, they are entirely avoidable with better housekeeping and safer practices. To spare workers the painful injuries that are associated with these accidents, employers should take certain safety precautions.
Below is a list of tips to help reduce slips, trips, and falls in the workplace:
- Keep walking surfaces free of clutter: Walkways should always be kept clear to reduce the possibility of an employee tripping over an object, resulting in a fall.
- Lighting: Inadequate or poor lighting in the workplace can make it difficult for employees to see where they are walking, which could easily lead to a serious fall accident. By installing proper lighting, employers can reduce the likelihood of an employee tripping because the workplace is not well-lit.
- Signage: Clear signage can help call attention to potential hazards or problem areas, such as gaps, steps, or even uneven ground and loose rocks. Additionally, if there are any spills that cannot be taken care of right away, signs should be used to alert workers to these potential dangers. Reflective tape can also be used to highlight trouble spots.
- Stairways and handrails: Stairs are one of the most common areas for fall accidents to occur, especially when handrails are not installed. Handrails can help reduce these accidents. Moreover, much like any other walking surface, stairways should also be free of clutter and any other unsecured objects.
- Footwear: Employees should be asked to wear appropriate footwear to work, depending on the specific work environment they are in. Generally, it is best to wear shoes with good traction whenever possible.
- Managing cords: All cords, such as power, internet, and phone cords can all present a tripping hazard to employees should be covered, whether under carpeting or run through walls. Power outlets, internet connections, and phone jacks should all be installed in locations that are easy to access.
- Clean up spills immediately: All spills should be cleaned up immediately and, as mentioned above, if they cannot be cleaned in a timely manner, signs should be placed to alert workers of spills.
- Floor conditions: Overtime flooring will begin to show signs of wear, such as cracks or holes, which can present a tripping hazard to employees. Employers should check the conditions of their floors to ensure they are safe and repair or replace anything that might potentially result in an accident.
Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Sacramento
If you sustained a workplace injury due to a serious fall accident, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover your medical expenses and a portion of your missed wages. At Smolich and Smolich in Sacramento, our skilled team of workers’ compensation attorneys is committed to helping injured workers navigate the workers’ compensation claims process to ensure they are able to obtain these vital benefits. Regardless of what stage you are at in the process, you can trust that our team will effectively guide you through it.
Get started on your workers’ compensation case today and contact us at (916) 571-0400 to request a free initial case evaluation.