Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries in the Workplace

Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries in the Workplace

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 34,673 individuals died from fatal slip and fall injuries at the workplace, while thousands of other individuals are hospitalized on a daily basis. Therefore, slip and fall injuries and worker compensation need a careful assessment and revisit.

Types of Slip and Fall Injuries at the Workplace

A slip or fall can lead to the following injuries that are covered by or protected under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Injuries occurring on-site, or off-site as part of the job can be claimed. They include:

• Broken or damaged knees or bones due to falling or a heavy object falling,
• Exposure to chemicals and harmful substance leading to long-term illness,
• Traumatic brain injuries causing paralysis, stress, or brain damage,
• Various cuts and bruises.

Slip and Fall Prevention Policies at the Workplace

Almost all employees working in construction, trade, transportation, manufacturing, government and services industry are subject to fatal slip and fall injuries. It is important for the employer to ensure appropriate working conditions that reduce the risk of fall. Some policies include:

• Keeping the floor dry,
• Providing safety training to all employees,
• Have a fall prevention manual made available to all employees,
• Provide employees with appropriate tools and uniforms to reduce the risk of injuries,
• Provide weather forecast for external workers

Illinois Workplace Slip and Fall Statistics

Workplace slip and fall accidents pose a significant challenge in Illinois, impacting employees across diverse industries such as construction, healthcare, and retail. These incidents can result in serious injuries, decreased productivity, and expensive workers’ compensation claims. By delving into the statistics surrounding workplace falls, businesses and employees can better understand the risks and implement effective preventive measures.

Prevalence of Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls, slips, and trips were responsible for 17% of all workplace fatalities in Illinois in 2023. This alarming figure underscores the serious nature of these incidents and highlights the critical need for enhanced safety protocols and standards in various work environments. Moreover, a report by TorkLaw indicates that slips and falls accounted for 27% of all non-fatal workplace injuries that required workers to take days off.

The consequences of these injuries extend beyond just physical harm; they place significant financial strain on employers due to lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and workers’ compensation claims. Each incident can lead to operational disruptions, reduced morale among staff, and potential legal ramifications for businesses that fail to provide a safe working environment.

Industries Most Affected

Certain industries in Illinois are particularly prone to slip and fall accidents due to the nature of their work environments. These include:

Construction – Workers in this sector often operate at heights or on uneven surfaces. Falls from scaffolding or ladders are common hazards that can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Healthcare and Social Assistance – Hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities frequently encounter wet floors due to spills or cleaning activities. This creates a high-risk environment for both patients and staff, where slips can lead to serious injuries.

Transportation and Warehousing – Employees in this field often navigate loading docks and storage areas with uneven surfaces, as well as potential hazards like spilled materials or loose items. These conditions significantly increase the risk of slip and fall incidents.

Retail and Hospitality – In environments where customers frequent, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels, spills, cluttered walkways, and changes in floor surfaces (e.g., from carpets to tiles) can lead to frequent slip and fall accidents.

Financial and Legal Impact

Workplace falls represent a considerable financial burden for employers. The National Safety Council estimates that workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses approximately $171 billion annually, with a significant portion of that attributed to slip and fall incidents. This encompasses workers’ compensation claims, medical expenses, and the costs associated with lost productivity due to employee absences.

Additionally, employers have a legal obligation to ensure safe working conditions. When they fail to meet this standard, they may face legal claims from injured employees, leading to further financial and reputational repercussions. Companies can be held liable for negligence if they do not take the necessary steps to mitigate risks associated with slip and fall accidents.

Prevention Strategies

To effectively reduce the incidence of slip and fall accidents in the workplace, businesses and employees should adopt a variety of preventive strategies:

Implement Comprehensive Safety Training – Educate all employees on the risks associated with slip and fall accidents and provide training on best practices for maintaining a safe work environment.

Maintain Clean and Dry Floors – Regularly inspect and promptly address spills or debris that could contribute to slipping hazards. Consider using mats in areas prone to wetness.

Use Slip-Resistant Footwear – Encourage employees to wear footwear designed to provide better traction and support, particularly in environments where slips are more likely to occur.

Install Handrails and Improve Lighting – Ensure that all stairwells and walkways are equipped with handrails and that all areas, especially those where falls are more likely, are well lit to increase visibility.

Promote Hazard Reporting – Cultivate a culture of safety where employees feel encouraged to report potential hazards. Addressing risks proactively can help prevent accidents before they occur. By thoroughly understanding the statistics related to slip and fall incidents in Illinois workplaces, businesses can take informed, proactive steps to improve safety and reduce injuries. Implementing preventive measures and fostering awareness campaigns is essential in creating a safer work environment for all employees, ultimately leading to increased productivity and morale

Claiming Workers’ Compensation in Illinois After a Workplace Injury

If an employee suffers from slip and fall injuries, their compensation – in the form of medical benefits, insurance, treatment, and future wages if an employee is not able to continue work – are governed by the Workers’ Compensation Act. Any disputes arising between employees and employers could be resolved under the guidance provided by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), which works first as an arbitrator. Then, if unresolved, it moves the case to the circuit court. Employees can also apply for a hearing at the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court, if necessary. Under complications or first time claims, seeking support from a competent personal injury and workers compensation attorney can be helpful to recover financial claims.

If an injury occurs, a claim should be filed with the employer within 45 days of the incident. IWCC will hear the claim as an arbitrator – before the claim is sent to the court. No employer is allowed to harass an employee during the claim process. No claims are processed if an injury occurred due to employee negligence.

If you wish to find out more about workers’ compensation and slip and fall injuries in Illinois, schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.