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.