If you own your own business, you are probably concerned about the types of hazards you or your employees, customers, or suppliers may face, especially those that can cause injuries.
Among the most common causes of injuries in the workplace is due to slips and falls, according to a new infographic byBanville Law. The infographic provides interesting information about slips and falls, including what industries are most at risk — and what it might cost a business. It found that while men and women have equal risks, according to the National floor Safety Institute (NFSI), women are more at risk for fatal injuries. Approximately 1 million slips and falls accidents occur every year.
The Cost of Slip and Fall Accidents
The infographic detailed what the average costs of accidents from slips and falls are for businesses, highlighting that the average cost of a slip and fall injury is about $12,000 per person. The average cost of a lawsuit involving this type of incident is $50,000 and workers’ compensation claims from slip and fall accidents cost approximately $70 million a year.
Where These Accidents Take Place
There are a variety of places in the workplace where your employees can experience a slip and fall incident. It is important to know where the risks are so you can do your best to prevent such injuries. Be very careful with the stairs and ladders, uneven surfaces, cluttered hallways, doorways, areas that might be prone to wetness, heavy traffic areas, and unstable work surfaces. These are the most common areas of the workplace where these types of accidents occur.
Did you know that there are about 95 million work days a year that are missed due to these incidents alone? So, protecting your employees from slips and falls, also protects your business as well.
Industries Most at Risk
While any industry has the risk of slips and falls, there are some that tend to have a higher risk than others. These include hotels, restaurants, and public buildings. Grocery stores also face a significant risk in terms of slips and falls accidents and injuries. Grocery stores face about $450 million a year in claims due to slip and fall accidents. In the food industry, slips and falls are the leading cause of workplace injuries.
The Risk for Elderly Persons
Elderly people are also at a high risk of slip and fall injuries, not just because they may not be as stable and can fall more easily, but because their injuries cause hip fractures and other severe consequences. Most elderly slip and fall accidents occur at home, but that doesn’t mean they can’t happen on the premises of your business.
How to Prevent Slips and Falls
In order to prevent slips and falls in your workplace, you need to look at where they are most at risk, and reduce the hazards. This includes:
- Removing clutter from walkways and doorways.
- Using non-skid mats and rugs.
- Keeping all cords out of high traffic areas.
- Informing employees to not stand on wheeled surfaces, chairs or tables.
- Mopping up spills right away.
- Having good lighting.
- Installing and using handrails.
While these are very good preventative measures for slip and fall accidents, you still run the risk of facing such a claim. Protect your business and employees with workers’ compensation insurance.
