Falls are one of the leading causes of work-related injuries and fatalities in the Unites States. In fact, the number of work-related falls each year exceeds one million.
How are so many falls occurring? If you are one of the workers who has suffered in such an accident, what are your options in terms of pursuing compensation?
The condition of the floor
Like all aspects of a building, floor surfaces have to be well-maintained. If a tiled floor has started to crack, or tiles have loosened, then a worker is likely to catch their foot and lose their balance. If a non-slip surface has become worn over time, then it is not going to serve the function that it’s supposed to. Employers have a duty to ensure that the work environment is as safe as possible, and this includes keeping up with floor maintenance.
Lax safety practices
The maintenance of a building could be near perfect, but this makes little difference if effective safety policies are not implemented. In some environments housekeeping standards are not up to the standard they should be. For instance, when floor spaces are used as storage areas, this creates trip hazards. Additionally, workers have to be careful when they are using electrical equipment with cables, as a trailing cord can easily cause a nasty fall.
If you’ve suffered a work-related injury then you’re going to have enough on your mind without worrying about money. Make sure you seek some legal guidance to see if workers’ compensation could alleviate some of this financial pressure.