Some work injuries are industry-specific. People working in kitchens have to worry about burns and lacerations. Those working in factories have to worry about heavy machinery. Other types of risks are an issue in most workplaces.
When looking at job safety statistics, falls affect workers in almost every profession. Obviously, workers doing their jobs at a significant elevation can get hurt when they fall. Construction professionals and window washers face risk every day because of the environments in which they work.
Same-level falls can be an issue for people in any profession. Hospital employees, wait staff at restaurants, retail workers and office-based professionals can all end up sustaining major injuries because of a slip-and-fall, a trip-and-fall or a similar incident. Many of those injured professionals may require workers’ compensation benefits after they fall.
Falls can cause serious injuries
Some falls are relatively minor, especially if they are same-level falls. People end up with bruises or scrapes. However, even a fall to the same level can cause very serious injuries.
People can break bones when they fall. They can also cause soft tissue injuries when they tense up or try to stop the fall. Workers who cannot slow themselves down during a fall could also theoretically develop traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Those injuries can have major financial implications for the injured worker. They may require treatment at a hospital. They may also need to take time off of work to recover. In more serious cases, workers may even need to switch professions or may become unable to continue working at all because of their injuries.
Workers’ compensation can help with those expenses. Benefits can cover both lost wages and medical costs. Reporting the incident to an employer can also help a worker arrange for on-the-job accommodations. Regardless of whether a worker falls because of unsafe conditions or a mistake that they make on the job, they may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Reporting a fall to management and getting a diagnosis from a doctor are important steps for those with work-related injuries who may need benefits. Those recovering after a fall at work may need help navigating the workers’ compensation claims process and optimizing the benefits they receive.