The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that accidents involving slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death. In fact the account for about 15% of accidental deaths and with the exception of motor vehicle accidents, are the leading cause of fatalities.
There are two categories of falls: same-level falls and elevated falls. Same-level falls occur when someone falls and ends up on the same level of ground that they started on. Elevated falls occur when someone falls from a higher level and ends up on a lower level. For example someone falling off a ledge, beam, or platform would be an elevated fall.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report the follow statistics about workplace falls:
- Fall injuries, including slips and trips, cost an average of $40,000 per incident in medical expenses, damages, repair costs, etc.
- About 15% of accidental deaths result from slips, trips and falls.
- 16% of injuries from same-level falls occurred within the manufacturing sector.
- Together the services sector, wholesale sector, and retail sector account for more than 60% of same-level falls.
- Each year more than a million Americans suffer a slip, trip, and fall injuries.
- About 19,565 people die each year in the US due to fall-related injuries.
- Approximately 1 in 6 of all injuries requiring time off from work are from falls.
- For workers who do require time off due to a fall accident, it is estimated that they will require an average of about 11 days off to recuperate.
- Almost 20% of all job-related injuries are due to slips, trips, and falls.
- Same-level falls are statistically more common and account for 65% of all fall-related injuries.
- While they are somewhat less common, elevated falls tend to be more serious and more likely to result in severe injuries.
- More than 60% of elevated falls occur from a height of under 10 feet.
- About 12-15% of all Workers’ Compensation expenses are due to accidents involving slips, trips and fall injuries.
- Approximately 20-30% of fall victims suffer moderate-to-severe injuries such as hip fractures or head injuries.
- Fall accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are the cause of 46% of fatal falls in older Americans.
- Fractures commonly resulting from fall accidents include hand, forearm, upper arm, leg, ankle, pelvis, hip, and spine.
KNOW YOUR LEGAL OPTIONS IF YOU SUFFER A WORKPLACE FALL
As these workplace fall statistics indicate slips, trips and fall accidents are very serious and can result in severe injuries including brain and spinal cord injuries, long-term or permanent incapacitation, or even death. If you or your loved one has suffered one of these devastating injuries it is crucial that you protect your legal rights. Before signing any documents or accepting any settlements it is important to consult a qualified legal expert who can help you determine the value of your case and whether or not you are truly getting a fair deal. Dugas Law Firm is committed to fighting for the rights of workplace fall victims.