Avoid winter workplace slips and falls

Slips and falls are among the most common causes of injuries in the workplace. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), nearly 30 percent of on-the-job falls result in lost days of work.

Job-related falls can happen any time in any setting. And when you toss in wet and wintery conditions, there’s an even greater risk of hazards underfoot.

What are the types of work-related falls?

There are three categories of worksite falls:

• Falls on the same level. Most workplace falls happen when a worker slips, trips or falls at the same level they’re standing. These falls are most often caused by slippery or uneven surfaces, worksite clutter or equipment or worn or improper footwear.

• Falls to a lower level. Falls that involve elevation, such as a fall from a roof, ladder or the top of a vehicle, result in some of the most serious workplace injuries.

• Swing falls. When a worker wearing a personal fall arrest system falls from a height, the pendulum motion that occurs heightens the risk of striking a hard surface or object.

Are certain industries more susceptible to slips and falls?

From factory floors to corporate offices, workplace falls can happen anywhere, regardless of the job or industry. But there are professions where the risk is higher.

Not surprisingly, construction and extracting occupations that involve ladders, scaffolding and heavy-duty equipment have the highest frequency of work-related falls.

But construction sites aren’t the only workplaces where falls are more likely to occur. Workers in the following industries are also highly susceptible:

• Health care
• Transportation and material moving
• Building maintenance and cleaning

What can I do to prevent winter slips and falls?

Most slip, trip and fall accidents are preventable when you have the right gear, preparation and training. Along with measures your employer puts in place to keep you safe on the job, there are some extra steps you can take to prevent slips and falls:

• Wear job-appropriate footwear with good traction
• Take short steps and slow your pace to react quickly to surface changes
• Use caution when walking under awnings, buildings and windows where snow and ice have formed
• Watch for slippery floors when entering and walking through buildings
• Be vigilant and cautious in areas that could have black ice
• Be mindful of safety signage and do not enter blocked-off areas

What are some common injuries associated with slips?

Slips and falls can result in many types of injuries, from minor bumps to major trauma. The most common injuries related to workplace falls are:

• Cuts and abrasions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Soft tissue injuries such as bruising, sprains, strains and ligament tears
• Spinal cord injuries
• Dislocated joints
• Traumatic brain injuries

How long does it take to recover from a fall injury?

Recovery time following a workplace fall depends on several factors, including the type of fall you have, the severity of your injuries, your age and more. But there are some important things you can do to ensure a quicker recovery and return to work:

• Seek care right away. Even seemingly minor fall injuries can have lasting consequences. Immediate care after an injury is critical to your recovery and the first step in the workers’ compensation claim process.

• Stay engaged in your treatment. You can only get better, and safely back on the job, when you get the follow-up care you need.

• Know your company’s return-to-work policies. Research shows that light or transitional work is key to a faster recovery. Talk to your supervisor or HR office about when and how you can get back on the job.

MultiCare Occupational Medicine is here to help

Don’t let a fall at work get you down. At MultiCare Occupational Medicine, our team of providers and staff are solely dedicated to treating work-related falls and other on-the-job injuries and illnesses. Our job is to help you recover and return to work as soon as safely possible. We also help navigate the workers’ compensation process, so you can concentrate on what’s most important — getting better.

If you need care after hours or during weekends for a minor fall or other workplace injury, our Indigo Health urgent care clinics are available 8am to 8pm every day. Our friendly providers will assess your injury and seamlessly coordinate your care with MultiCare’s Occupational Medicine providers.

If you need additional care, MultiCare Occupational Medicine is connected to all the resources of MultiCare Health System, including its team of orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists.

For employers: A prescription for prevention

You can’t do anything about the weather, but employers can take simple steps to prevent workplace falls amid wintery conditions, according to MultiCare Occupational Medicine provider Archie Adams, MD.

“Stay on top of the weather report and have a plan in place so you can be prepared for hazardous conditions,” he says. “As the adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Dr. Adams offers these fall-prevention tips to keep employees safe and on the job:

• Shovel snow from walkways
• De-ice sidewalks and stairs
• Place bevel-edged absorbent mats and umbrella holders by entryways (inside and out)
• Have “wet floor” signs on hand to warn of hazards in reception areas, hallways and stairwells
• Create and communicate clear policies so employees know ahead of time what to do when spills or puddles happen