Some of the most common injuries in places of work in Wisconsin are slips, trips and falls. Grainger states that approximately 25 percent of all yearly injury claims result from slip-and-fall accidents.

Such accidents do not just have the potential to interfere with people’s ability to work–they can be deadly. Slips, trips and falls are the second leading cause of death per year after motor vehicle accidents.

Common causes of slips, trips and falls

By identifying some of the common safety hazards that lead to these kinds of injuries, both employers and employees can take steps to reduce them. These include but are not limited to:

• Frost, snow and ice that has not been cleared away.
• Unsecured electrical cables or cords.
• Sloped walking surfaces.
• Freshly waxed or polished floors.
• Uneven walking surfaces.
• Floors with greasy or wet spills that haven’t been cleaned up.

Whenever one of these hazards is present at a place of work, it is prudent to take care of it as soon as possible. Beyond this, there are also some precautions that anyone working in the area can take.

Slip, trip and fall prevention

The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point advises that people take their time when walking, as accidents tend to happen when in a rush. If the weather is very cold and there is some ice present, for example, a person should exit his or her vehicle slowly and carefully, holding onto his or her door for stability.

Wiping off boots and shoes on floor mats can remove slippery debris and oily residue. Wherever railings or stable objects to hold on to are available, people should make use of them.

If you facing serious work injury or illness due to slip, trip and fall at the workplace and you need compensation from your company, then our workers compensation attorneys are ready to help and protect your rights.

Many teens in the United States work gainfully to some degree. It is very common for teenagers to obtain summer seasonal jobs like landscaping. While these jobs can do a lot to help young persons develop job skills and gain experience, there is also always the potential for tragedy.

For example, OSHA estimates that between 60 and 70 teens die each year from job-related injuries. In order to lower these numbers, it is vital for employers to understand child labor laws and for teens to take special precautions around machinery at the workplace.

What child labor laws apply?

It is particularly important for employers to understand labor laws surrounding youth and machinery. For instance, federal child labor laws prevent individuals under the age of 18 from operating hoisting equipment like forklifts, circular saws that are power-driven or gullotine shears and driving a motor vehicle.

For individuals 15 years and younger the rules are even more strict. For instance, 14- and 15-year-old workers may not operate weed cutters, lawn trimmers or lawnmowers.

What can teens do to stay safe?

Teenage workers should be especially vigilant regarding their safety. For instance, teens should not use any equipment that they have not been specifically trained to use. Wearing earplugs or earmuffs in high noise areas can prevent audial injuries. Teens should also make sure that they have appropriate protective clothing for the job at hand. This could require wearing eye goggles or boots.

Teenage workers should also be fully aware of their rights as workers. Even though these workers may be below the age of the majority, many of the protections and rights are the same for minors as they are for legal adults. If you facing serious work injury or illness our workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to protect yours.