People who work in specialized professions, such as construction or building maintenance, likely recognize that they could fall from an elevation. Employers generally have to provide training and safety equipment to prevent significant falls in a work environment.
However, when looking at job injury statistics, same-level falls are far more common than falls from a significant elevation. While they may not necessarily produce fatal injuries, they can still result in workers requiring medical care and time away from their jobs.
Professionals in almost any career could be at risk of a same-level fall while on the clock. What types of injuries do people need to check for after falling at work?
Soft tissue injuries
People can strain or overexert their muscles or damage connective tissue when they try to catch themselves. The attempt to brace against impact while falling can cause significant muscle tension and soft tissue damage. Depending on the extent of the injury and the worker’s career, those injuries might force them to take a leave of absence or request light-duty work until their symptoms abate.
Broken bones
Damaging soft tissue isn’t the only way that people can hurt themselves if they try to stop a same-level fall. Particularly when workers are over the age of 55, they could be vulnerable to fractures or broken bones. People can break bones in their arms, as well as collarbones, in a slip-and-fall scenario. Same-level falls could also result in fractures to lower extremities in some cases, especially if the person strikes something nearby while falling. Fractures can take eight weeks or longer to heal and can prevent people from performing their typical job functions.
Traumatic brain injuries
While injury is possible when people try to catch themselves during the fall, failing to do so can be even more concerning. People who fall abruptly might hit their head on the floor, the wall or even furniture nearby. Blunt-force trauma to the head can cause bleeding inside the skull or inflammation of the brain. Without proper treatment, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) could cause permanent damage and a host of different symptoms.
Workers injured in same-level falls might need help getting benefits that can cover their treatment costs and replace their lost wages, and that’s okay. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can help those who get hurt at work.