Slipping and falls can happen for a number of reasons. Whether it is because of tiredness, distractedness, or simply being too passive when working, there are ways to prevent this nightmare.
We tell you how to do the most damage so make sure you know what you are doing before you do any work! There are several ways to stop a fall so make sure you know your main one!
When working at height, there is a need for good support. Use a desk chair or another item of furniture as support when needed. If using the top of the dresser or mattress as support, cover those up too.
If working on the floor, have enough protection from overextending yourself. If using something against the wall to help hold yourself up, make sure it was sufficient enough to prevent falling out of it.
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Seek medical attention
If you fall at work, the most important thing is to seek medical attention. Falling can be prevented with good posture and proper placement of your feet in relationship to your body.
Many jobs have minimal fall protection systems, so most employers will cover the cost of your medical attention if you fall. Some employers may also have workers compensation coverage for a personal injury, however.
If you lose your job or your employer does not provide adequate Fall Protection Security Systems, you can file a claim for economic loss. In order for this to work though, your employer must have properly maintained the safety measures against a slip and fall.
If you are outfitted in safety gear and it does not protect you from falling, then call emergency services immediately to see if there is help on site.
Document the fall as much as possible
When a fall does occur, it is important to document the fall as much as possible. This includes writing down what position you were in when you fell, what floor you fell on, and any other details that may be important.
As mentioned earlier, writing down information about the fall may help prove your claim of negligence against the company you slipped on or worked for. If a supervisor was supervising another person when they slipped, this may help show a pattern of negligent behavior.
Using a bystander model is an option when trying to prove negligence against an employer. If two people observed a behavior that led to a slip and fall, they could report it to the employer together. If one person reports their role in the situation, it may help lower their exposure to risk.
Talk to witnesses about the fall
If you are able, you can ask the other person to help you get up if they help you fall. Both people can hear the other’s fall and try to help each other out.
If there is no one around, try to call for aid. Most places can trace your phone number and reach a companion if they are awake.
If you are unable to reach someone, then call local emergency services such as 911 or 205-591-7777.
Returning back to work too soon is a risk with low physical strength or mobility. Doing too much at once can lead to Over exertion which can lead to another fall or errors in recovery such as getting up on your own.
Look for potential hazards that may have caused the fall
If you fall at work, you should do the following:
If you feel safe enough to move your feet, do sothen. If not, use your hands to assist in getting up and moving away from the fall frontline.
Review safety protocols with your supervisor
If you are a member of a work crew that is working at the site of an accident, you should review safety protocols with your supervisor and learn how to help prevent another incident from happening.
Most workplaces have some form of emergency plan in case of an accident. If not, your employer should be notified immediately of this event so that they can facilitate a plan of action.
As mentioned before, if a member of the crew falls into a hazard area, the supervisor must close down all areas adjacent to the site to prevent anyone from getting trapped. If this does not happen, then there is a possibility for another person to fall and/or get injured.
Make improvements to prevent future falls
If you fall at work, make some improvements to prevent a similar fall in the future. You can do this by being aware of your surroundings and by speaking up if you need help.
Keeping your hands and feet on the ground at all times is the most important way to keep your balance. If you can’t do that yet, get assistance. A wellness check is a good place to start!
Audio or video surveillance is an important way to keep up with improvement in the office or within the community.
File a report with HR for documentation purposes
If you fall down a stairs or onto a lower level of an elevator or elevator, you should immediately call 9-1-1 to report your accident.
It is very important to report your fall as soon as possible, because first responders are focused on reporting accidents and helping you. They cannot assist you if they are not informed about your slip and fall.
If you were carrying a bag or a laptop computer, call your boss to request someone be sent to help you out of concern for their safety. Even though it may not seem like much, calling first aid right away can make the difference between breathing and dying!
Once first aid personnel arrive at the scene, they should check on your safety by asking whether you are comfortable enough to stand up or walk around without assistance. If these measures seem appropriate, then they should provide them.
File a report with management for documentation purposes
If you fall or slip on a floor, stairs, ground, or other surface that is not dangerous, it is better to report it to management than to risk your own safety by going after the person who fell or slipped.
Many workplaces have a specific area called the ” slips and falls area” where people who have been affected by a fall can report it. This includes people with mental health issues, poor impulse control, and those with poor judgment can all make poor at falling.
If you have been in a fall that had serious consequences (deaths or severe injuries), you may be eligible for compensation from your employer. You can file a report even if you were only slightly hurt.
It is important to note that your employer will not take into account any injuries they did not notice when they process the report. They will take into account any that they do realize due to the negligence of others.