Some professionals work in environments where major falls are a risk. Construction professionals, window washers and many others could fall from a significant elevation while working.
Workers in just about any profession could potentially sustain injuries in same-level falls. Slips and trips can lead to employees falling and getting hurt, regardless of whether they are elementary school teachers or cashiers.
Same-level falls may not carry the same risk of death as falls from an elevation, but they can cause costly injuries. What injuries could workers acquire if they slip or trip while working?
1. Soft tissue injuries
The way that muscles tense as people try to stop a fall can lead to painful symptoms that persist for weeks. Soft tissue injuries can affect blue-collar workers and service sector employees by limiting their functional capabilities.
2. Broken bones
When people try to slow a fall, they could very easily break a bone in their arm, collarbone or shoulder. If they strike something while falling, they could break almost any bone. Fractures generally require several months to heal and can render employees incapable of performing their usual job tasks.
3. Traumatic brain injuries
The worst slip-and-fall injuries follow people hitting their heads. Whether they strike the floor or the wall, the blunt force trauma to their head can cause inflammation inside the skull. They may experience a variety of symptoms that can affect their ability to work. Moderate to severe brain injuries can cause permanent changes to a person’s physical capabilities, memory or personality.
The good news for professionals who fall while working is that workers’ compensation can help cover their losses. Reporting a fall and seeking medical care can help ensure that injured employees receive the support and workers’ compensation benefits they deserve after an on-the-job incident.