{"id":1848,"date":"2022-02-04T22:46:50","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T22:46:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacificwestinjury.com\/?p=1848"},"modified":"2023-11-15T14:38:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T22:38:39","slug":"blog-slip-and-falls-are-one-most-avoidable-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pacificwestinjury.com\/blog\/slip-and-falls-are-one-most-avoidable-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"Slip-and-Falls Are One of the Most Avoidable Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the National Floor Institute (NFI)<\/a>, over a million people are taken to the ER due to slip-and-fall accidents. The effects of accidents vary from bruises and bumps on the skin to deaths and bone fractures. Fortunately, many of these accidents are actually preventable if the people in charge and the victims take the necessary steps to avert them.<\/p>\n

Preventable Causes of Slip-and-Fall Injuries<\/h2>\n

The most ordinary root of slip-and-fall accidents worldwide is wet and uneven surfaces. They account for over 50% of all fall accidents in most countries. Some of the preventable causes of such accidents include loose floorboards, torn carpeting, loose mats, spills that have not been cleaned, cluttered floors, potholes and uneven sidewalks, water collection, recently mopped and waxed surfaces, among others.<\/p>\n

Many of these causes can be resolved by good housekeeping practices at home and proper maintenance at the workplace. Businesses should also warn customers of defective surfaces to take adequate measures to protect themselves.<\/p>\n

Safety During Wet Weather<\/h3>\n

Many slip-and-fall accidents happen during wet weather. While the weather cannot be controlled, there are safety procedures required by law for business owners and municipalities during the winter to reduce the risk of such accidents. These include shoveling sidewalks, plowing streets, and salting sidewalks. The establishments are held responsible for any accidents that happen due to their negligence.<\/p>\n

Neglect at Nursing Homes<\/h3>\n

One of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents in nursing homes is neglect. Most older people have mobility problems, while others have reduced balance. Therefore, they are likely to fall in places where the rest of us may wade safely. The Center for Disease Control (CDC)<\/a> describes that one in every three people over 65 falls each year.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, many of these injuries are severe and life-threatening due to the frail nature of their bodies. Most of the slips can be prevented by enough lighting, safer bathrooms, increased monitoring of the nursing home residents, and proper room arrangement. Many of these interventions are lacking in various nursing homes.<\/p>\n

Improper Footwear<\/h3>\n

According to the NFI, improper footwear contributes to over 24% of all slip-and-fall accidents. Accidents are not limited to people that wear heels; any type of shoe can put you at risk if it is not designed for the surface you are walking on. Go for a shoe that offers the right type of traction for your area, whether outdoors, on smooth floors, or on wet trails.<\/p>\n

Lack of Proper Training<\/h3>\n

Various tools can cause workers to slip and fall while using them in the workplace. Workers must wear the right gear and be trained in the best ways to use various tools and machines. In addition, workshops must be properly planned to have enough room for workers to stay clear of the risk zones when doing their work.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Otherwise, Pacific West Injury Law can ensure that the employer is held liable for any slip-and-fall accidents caused by neglect.<\/p>\n

How do You Prevent a Slip-and-Fall Accident?<\/h2>\n

By taking proper care of the workspace and the floor area, companies can reduce slip-and-fall accidents by up to 100%. This lowers compensation claims, lost workforce, and ensures compliance with safety laws. Here are a few things that the company can do to make the workspace safer and prevent fall accidents:<\/p>\n