Professionals who perform job functions at an elevation are constantly at risk of falling. Falls from a significant height can cause catastrophic injuries and are a leading cause of death in certain industries, such as construction.
However, when looking at work-related injuries overall, falls are a concern in just about every profession, even those that never see workers getting up on a step stool, let alone on a roof or scaffolding. While falls from an elevation are obviously a safety concern, same-level falls, including slips and trips, can also lead to devastating injuries.
Any fall can hurt a worker
Workers rushing to perform job functions, including nurses and retail employees, could slip, trip and fall. When they do, they are vulnerable to potentially severe injury. A same-level fall could lead to soft tissue injuries or broken bones. Workers trying to slow themselves when they fall can hurt themselves in the process.
Of course, failing to slow a fall could be even worse. If workers fall so abruptly that they cannot prepare themselves, they could strike their heads, leading to a traumatic brain injury. They could end up in the hospital and dealing with life-altering symptoms such as changes in personality, memory issues and even vertigo.
Thankfully, workers’ compensation can protect those injured in same-level falls, not just those at risk of falling from a significant elevation. Professionals can request disability benefits and medical coverage during a workers’ compensation claim.
Recognizing job hazards and learning about workers’ compensation can help professionals limit their losses after an incident at work. Same-level falls can be adequate justification for a workers’ compensation claim when they lead to noteworthy injuries that require care or a leave of absence.