Which Industries Have the Most Slip and Fall Injuries in the Workplace?

 Posted on June 30, 2020 in Personal Injury

Contrary to popular belief, slip and fall injuries in the workplace occur throughout the entire year, not just in winter. Though ice, snow, and adverse weather conditions can make slips and falls more likely to occur without proper precaution, many slip and falls accidents occur within the controlled environments of indoor offices. A common cause of slip and fall injuries is wet, slippery floors without proper signage of the hazard. Wet floors are not the only everyday materials that can cause such injuries. Improperly anchored carpet or extension cords and freshly mopped and waxed flooring can cause employees to lose balance, resulting in minor to serious injuries. Controlled office environments may not be absent from such dangerous conditions, but some occupations bring a higher risk of injury than others.

Industries with High Incidences of Workplace Injury

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that falls, slips, and trips accounted for 14 percent of all fatal workplace injuries in Illinois in 2018. It is also the third most common type of workplace fatality. Though injuries in the workplace are generally evenly distributed across industries and occupations, there are several outliers that exceed the average rates. The following are occupations in which workers may be at a higher risk for a fall, slip, or trip:

• Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers, who alone accounted for 9 percent of all workplace injuries in 2018.

• Construction trade workers, which includes occupations such as roofers, carpenters, and construction laborers.

• Material moving workers, which may include freight, stock, and other material mover occupations.

• Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations. This is a broad category that includes occupations such as automotive technicians and mechanics, along with electrical, radio, and electronic equipment repair workers.

• Protective service occupations, including individuals such as law enforcement officers and firefighters.

Together, these five occupational categories account for 42 percent of all fatal injuries recorded in 2018. It is not difficult to imagine how falls, slips, and trips may figure into each of these categories. For example, in the case of construction laborers, a slip and fall injury is much more likely to be fatal if the victim has fallen from a two- or three-story building site.

Contact a DuPage County Personal Injury Attorney

Slip and falls within the workplace are a year-round concern, and although you may not find yourself sliding on ice or snow, summer brings its own unique risks for slip and fall injuries. Improperly marked or cleaned spills, along with slippery surfaces at water parks or pools, can contribute to an injury just as easily. Whether on or off the clock, if you or a loved one has been injured or even died as a result of a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Bloomingdale injury lawyer who is knowledgeable in both personal injury and workers’ compensation claims to help with your case. Call 630-932-9100 today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices.