Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in the Workplace

Workers Compensation Attorney

Slip and fall accidents can occur in just about any work environment, from construction sites to offices, and may result in various injuries, including broken bones and head injuries. Here are the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in the workplace.

Liquid Spills

Liquid spills, whether they’re from water or juice, frequently cause slip and fall accidents in the workplace. For example, if someone spills juice in the employee break room and neglects to clean it up, another employee could slip and fall. To avoid these accidents, employees should clean up liquid spills immediately.

Weather Hazards

Snow, rain and ice can all increase the likelihood of slip and fall accidents in the workplace. These weather hazards can make the floors very slippery, so employees are more likely to suffer an accident. Employers can prevent slip and falls from weather hazards by placing moisture-absorbent mats in entrance areas.

Clutter

Employees can also get hurt from slip and fall accidents caused by clutter in the entranceways, aisles and stairways. That’s why employers must have proper housekeeping in work and traffic areas. The floors should always be free of clutter.

Poor Lighting

Without adequate lighting, employees may have trouble seeing where they’re going and suffer a slip and fall accident. It’s up to employers to make sure that walkways, staircases and hallways are properly lit.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall at Work?

Suffering a slip and fall accident at work can be indeed shocking. However, it’s important to take the appropriate steps afterward to ensure your right to compensation. The first thing you should do is get medical care. Even if your injury seems fairly minor, you should still have a doctor examine you and recommend the proper treatment.

After you see a doctor, inform your employer about the accident. Tell your employer what caused the fall and details about your injury. Then, follow your company’s procedure for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

It’s also a good idea to talk to a workers compensation attorney, like one from Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C.,  about your case. He or she can give you sound legal advice and improve your chances of getting fairly compensated for your medical bills and lost wages. Bring any evidence you have, such as photos of the accident scene or medical records, to your first meeting with your attorney.