Falls are a hazard in every industry, so all employers have to ensure that they’re doing what’s necessary to keep workers safe. In some industries, such as construction, the risk of falls is incredibly high. And, falls are very dangerous in this industry.
It’s estimated that falls in the workplace lead to an annual cost of $70 billion across the country. This is a major economic hit that could be largely prevented with proper safety guidelines and equipment.
Proper climbing practices
Any worker who has to climb, including office workers trying to reach a top shelf or roofers who have to climb ladders, needs to ensure that they’re using the proper climbing technique. As a general rule, there should always be three points of contact with the ladder (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand). This helps to ensure that you don’t fall as you climb.
Fall arrest equipment
People who are performing their job at higher elevations above ground level should ensure they have proper fall arrest devices. This can help them from hitting the ground and suffering a back injury if they do lose their footing.
A worker who falls can suffer a serious injury, including injuries to the spinal cord or brain. They will likely need medical care and should be able to count on workers’ compensation to get the care they need. This doesn’t always happen as it should, so those workers may have to fight for what they deserve.
People who are facing issues receiving the workers’ compensation benefits they need may need aggressive representation. Give Steven Morgan a call at 912-289-0640 to discuss your next steps.
