Prevent Work Site Injuries from Slips, Trips and Falls

According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, the majority of work site injuries are from slips, trips and falls in the workplace. These types of accidents account for 15 percent of accident-related deaths every year; more than 95 million lost work days every year; and about 25 percent of all reported injury claims per year.

Our Texas work site injury lawyers have helped many victims of these injuries to recover compensation when negligence was the cause of the accident.

To create safe conditions in the workplace, we recommend these guidelines to employers:

Good Housekeeping

Keeping a work area pristine isn’t feasible in most construction sites, but good housekeeping practices should be implemented to make it as safe as possible for workers.

Whether in the home or on a job site, housekeeping isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing practice that should be done as part of a daily routine.

A job-site should be as free of obstacles in aisles and walkways as possible. Slippery conditions should be eliminated, and proper lighting maintained.

To get a routine going, employers should:

• Set standards. Let workers know what needs to be done, when it should be done, and what a safe work area should look like.
• Assign jobs. Make sure each worker knows what his or her responsibilities are in job-site housekeeping.
• Put the plan in motion. Planning and assigning tasks are great, but it is the employer’s responsibility to set the housekeeping routine in motion and ensure that it is adhered to.

Proper Work Gear

Employers should have standards of personal protective gear that workers are required to wear on the job site to prevent injuries. Proper footwear can play a big role in reducing trips and slips. Hard hats and protective eyewear can also reduce the likelihood of injury and minimize the extent of injuries.

Personal Accountability

Not all work site injuries are due to employer negligence. Workers can do a lot to reduce their injury risks, as well. Distractions from personal problems to the activities around you can quickly lead to injuries. So can taking shortcuts, working too quickly, not watching where you’re walking, and using a cell phone or other device while working.

While everyone can suffer a momentary distraction, it is each worker’s duty to try his or her best to stay focused on the task at hand and observe all caution and safety procedures on a job site.

If you’ve been injured at work, contact our construction accident attorneys today for assistance with any questions you may have about your case.