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In 1999, over one million people suffered a slip, trip or falling injury, and over 17,000 Americans died as a result. Of the estimated 3.8 million disabling injuries each year in the work force, 15 percent are due to slips, trips, or falls, which account for 12 to 15 percent of all Workers' Compensation costs. About 5,100 workers died from a fall in 1999.
The average direct cost for one disabling injury is about $28,000. Conservative estimates of indirect costs are significantly higher at $46,000. In the case of a death on the job, the average cost has recently been estimated at $940,000. Add to these the personal and family costs and trauma, and it is evident that slips, trips and falls should be avoided. |
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| Types of Falls |
| Falls are of two basic types: elevated falls and same-level falls. Same-level falls are most frequent, but elevated falls are more severe. Same-level falls are generally slips or trips. Injury results when the individual hits a walking or working surface or strikes some other object during the fall. Over 60 percent of elevated falls are from less than 10 feet. |
| Slip and Fall |
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| Slips are primarily caused by a slippery surface. Providing dry walking and working surfaces and slip-resistant footwear are the answer to slips and their resultant falls and injuries. In work areas where the walking and working surface is likely to be slippery, non-skid strips or floor coatings should be used. |
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If you have been injured by a slip and fall because the party responsible for maintaining a safe environment was negligent, contact InjuryLawLitigators.com for an attorney in your area to protect your legal rights under the law.
Was the area where you slipped and fell kept free of obstacles?
Was there adequate lighting to ensure proper vision of the walking area?
Were there safety signs or yellow stripping to caution you of a slippery surface?
Did the owner/renter of the property properly cleanup liquid spills, ice, etc.? |
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Falls from Ladders
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Was an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved ladder used?
Did the ladder come into contact with electricity?
Was the ladder long enough for the job to rest securely against an upper support?
Was the ladders inspected before use for cracks, loose rungs, slivers, and sharp edges?
Was a make-shift ladder, chair, box, or barrel used as substitutes for a ladder? |
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| Falls from Vehicles and Equipment |
| Death or serious injury is a frequent result of extra riders falling from tractors, equipment or the bed of a truck. Was sufficient, safe seating provided for all passengers? |
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| Falls from Loading Docks |
| Loading docks and ramps are dangerous areas. They are frequently congested, heavy-traffic areas, and working and walking surfaces are often wet. Metal dock plates can wear smooth and become very slippery; in particular, the edge of a dock plate invites trips and falls. |
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Were there portable railings, which could have prevented your falls?
Was the loading dock are properly cleaned?
Were there well-designed traffic patterns and the use of abrasive, skid-resistant surface coatings to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls?
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Falls on Stairs
Was the stairwell well-lighted, with safe handrails on both sides?
Were all the steps the same rise and depth, with visible edges?
Were they kept free of grease, oil and obstacles which could cause slips and trips?
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Fall Protective Devices
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| Workers at high elevations, such as ladders, platforms, or catwalks, should be protected from falling by some kind of fall protective device. This can be a protective cage, a lifeline, lanyard, safety belt or harness. |
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| Costs of fall-related injuries |
- Direct costs are include fees for hospital and nursing home care, doctors and other professional services, rehabilitation, community-based services, use of medical equipment, prescription drugs, changes made to the home, and insurance processing.
- Indirect costs include disability, dependence on others, lost time from work and household duties, or reduced quality of life.
- A study of people 72 and older found that the average health care cost of a fall injury was $19,440 (including hospital, nursing home, emergency room, and home health care, but not doctors’ services).
- By 2020, annual direct and indirect costs of fall injuries are expected to reach $43.8 billion.
- In 2000, nearly two thirds of the costs for nonfatal fall injuries were for those needing hospitalization. One fifth of costs were for injuries treated in emergency rooms.
- Fractures were both the most common and most costly type of nonfatal injuries. Just over one third of nonfatal injuries were fractures, but they made up 61% of costs—or $12 billion.
- Hip fractures are the most frequent broken bones from falls. In the United States, 44% of direct health care costs for hip fractures are for hospitalization.
- Traumatic brain injuries and injuries to the hips, legs, and feet were the most common and costly fatal fall injuries in 2000. They made up 78% of fatalities and 79% of costs. Falls cause 28% of all traumatic brain injuries.
- Injuries to internal organs caused 28% of deaths and accounted for 29% of costs from fatal falls.
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| With all of these costs, it is imperative that you contact InjuryLawLitigators.com for an attorney in your area to protect and defend your rights under the law. |
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