Most employers provide training to help workers understand common professional hazards. Those working in a warehouse, for example, may receive training on safe lifting techniques and how to operate heavy machinery.
The goal is to minimize worker injuries by identifying and addressing common safety concerns. Other safety concerns are so prevalent that they affect almost every profession and industry. Warehouse workers could slip in a wet spot or trip over a wrinkled rug. The same exact scenario could affect a biller working in a medical office or a cashier at a retail shop.
Same-level falls may not seem to be as serious of a safety concern as a fall from a significant elevation. However, they can leave workers in need of time away from work to heal and significant medical intervention.
Falls can cause serious injuries
There are numerous types of injuries possible even in a same-level fall incident. In a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall scenario, a worker might try to catch themselves. They can very easily break a bone in their arm.
Soft tissue injuries related to muscle tension or contact with nearby objects are also common. Both fractures and soft tissue injuries may require weeks to heal. Workers could miss many days of work and may incur thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
If a worker hits their head when they fall, the consequences could be even more significant. Blunt force trauma to the head can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs can cause permanent changes in functional and cognitive capabilities. They can generate tens of thousands of dollars or more in medical costs. They could leave a worker unable to return to their career or incapable of working at all.
Workers’ compensation benefits can help
Employers generally need to carry workers’ compensation coverage in case employees get hurt while on the clock. Even in scenarios where the company may not have caused the incident, such as a worker slipping in another employee’s spilled coffee, the injured employee may have grounds for a worker’s compensation clinic. Their employer’s coverage can provide them with full medical benefits and even disability pay if they miss work due to their injuries or require medical care.
Reporting an incident to management and then filing a workers’ compensation claim can help employees protect their interests after a slip or trip on the job. Even same-level falls can trigger major expenses in lost wages that negatively impact workers for years. Employees may need support during the claims process, and that’s okay.