Fall risks are common in many different jobs, but especially those where ladders and other dangerous pieces of equipment are involved. If you suffered a fall injury while working at your job and within the scope of your employment, you may be able to make a claim for workers’ compensation benefits depending on the specific circumstances.
In today’s post, we are going to be going over some of the most common jobs where fall injuries are experienced, what some of the likely causes of fall injuries are while on the job, and some tips for preventing them from happening. And, if you have been injured while on the job yourself, give our personal injury lawyers a call at Woods & Thompson, P.A in Minneapolis today.
Jobs With the Highest Fall Risk
The National Safety Council (NSC) ranks the occupations that are most closely associated with dangerous falls. These occupations include:
- Construction work
- Manufacturing positions
- Wholesale- and retail-trade jobs
- Transportation work
- Warehousing occupation
Causes of Fall Injuries on the Job
When falls occur on the job, they can lead to serious injuries that may require medical attention and treatment, long periods of recovery, and missed time from work. Some of the most common injuries from workplace falls include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, head injuries, and back/neck injuries. In some severe cases, falls can even lead to death.
While different jobs and workplaces can lead to different types of falls, some of the most common risks that are associated with falls on the job include:
- Unstable or cluttered working surfaces and walking areas
- Holes in the flooring
- Defective railings, especially on staircases
- Unprotected edges
- Improperly maintained common areas
With construction work, it is frequently required to position workers far from the ground on different pieces of equipment, including ladders, scaffolding, and machinery, making falls that take place that much more dangerous. Because of the fact that construction work is so dangerous and involves such heavy-duty equipment, the equipment requires meticulous maintenance according to strict safety hazards. On top of that, workers themselves need good training in safety practices in order to prevent fall injuries while on the job.
How to Prevent Falls in the Workplace
While some falls may occur due to slippery floors that you did not see or an unprotected edge that you didn’t expect, most falls are preventable. Whether you are working from a ladder, scaffolding, or a roof, it is important to plan ahead, assess the risk, and use the right equipment that has been properly inspected and maintained.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Woods & Thompson, P.A in Minneapolis Today
If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer in the Twin Cities area, including Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as Duluth/Superior, Eau Claire, and Mankato, please contact Woods & Thompson, P.A. today. Our personal injury lawyers can help you receive compensation depending on your specific case, whether it be from a workplace fall due to dangerous conditions, an auto accident, child injuries, and more. To learn more about our personal injury lawyers, our services, and how we can help your case, give us a call today.