Whether you work in an office setting, a medical practice, or at a construction site, a work-related injury is a possibility. While some occupations are clearly more dangerous overall, accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. Even the smallest injury can worsen if left untreated. At Murphy Law Firm, serving Great Falls, MT and Billings, MT, our expert attorneys specialize in fighting for clients who have suffered work injuries and falls. We can help bring justice to you and your family, and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Statistics: Falling on the Job
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the majority of work-related injuries involve slips, trips, and falls. In fact, they cause 15 percent of all accidental fatalities, coming in second behind auto accidents.
The standards set by OSHA apply to all walking or working surfaces. The only exceptions are places where mining, domestic, or agricultural work is being conducted.
Common Factors Contributing to Falls on the Jobsite
Slips, trips, and falls can occur due to a number of reasons. Common risk factors leading to falls on the jobsite include:
- Slippery Floors: Wet or oily conditions cause the floor to become slippery. This could be a result of debris, leaks, or floor cleaning.
- Uneven Floor Surfaces: If there is uneven carpeting, bunched up rugs or floor mats, or protruding boards or nails, it can cause a fall.
- Ladders and Stairways: If elevated surfaces are not designed, built, and maintained properly, it can be a health hazard.
Types of Falls
When it comes to work-related falls, they are divided into two primary categories. These include:
- Same-Level Falls: This type of fall occurs on a relatively even surface. These arise when the walking gait of a person becomes disrupted due to slippery surfaces or uneven floors.
- Fall to a Lower-Level: This type of injury occurs when a person falls from a higher level to a lower one. For instance, falling from an elevator shaft or a second level of a building would be considered a “fall to lower-level”.
Work-related Injuries: Facts about Falling
Unfortunately, falling is one of the most common work-related injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) report that:
- 65 percent of all fall-related injuries occur from same-level falls
- Elevated falls are less common, but are often the most serious
- More than 60 percent of all elevated falls occur from a height less than 10 feet
- Every year, over one million employees in America are injured due to a slip, trip, or fall
- The most common broken bones that occur from falls include fractures of the hand, leg, arm, hip, pelvis, and spine
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury
- Nearly 20 percent of all job-related injuries are a result of slips, trip, or falls
- There were more than 15 thousand fatalities in people over the age of 65 who suffered a fall in 2005
- The older you are, the more likely you are to suffer a slip, trip, or fall
Learn More about Your Rights as an Employee
If you have suffered injuries due to an accident on the job, you could be entitled to compensation. To learn what Murphy Law Firm can do for you, schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. You can call our office at (406) 452-2345 or contact us online.
