Workplace falls can happen in almost any occupation. It is true that some jobs, such as working in construction, tend to carry a higher fall risk because people have to work at heights. However, that does not mean you don’t face risks even if you work in an office.
To lower the odds of a serious accident, it is important to know what fall hazards to watch out for. Below are a few examples:
- Unprotected edges, such as a balcony or a catwalk that does not have railings on the sides.
- Fall protection gear that is not used properly. Sometimes, this happens because employers neglect to give their employees proper training.
- Openings in the wall and holes in the floor. This could be a serious risk for mechanics, for example, who have pits they can climb down into to work below vehicles.
- Ladders that are set up improperly. If the ladder is too vertical, it can tip backward. However, a ladder that has a shallow incline could slide down the wall.
- Slick floors and slippery surfaces. This could happen when working with water, grease, oil and similar substances.
- Excessive clutter. When the workplace is not cleaned every day, trip hazards lurk around every corner.
- Unstable surfaces for working and/or walking. Proper maintenance must be done to ensure that the workplace is safe and up to code.
Have you been injured on the job? That injury can leave you unable to earn a living for a time and result in serious medical bills. Make sure you know if you have a legal right to seek workers’ compensation.