6 Common Hazards That Can Lead to Slip and Fall Accidents

The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) observes and keeps data on statistics and other factors relating to emergency room visits, deaths, and workplace accidents, including slip and fall related data.

As per their data, slip-and-fall accidents comprise one-eighth of the 8 million injuries and deaths in the United States. Around 5% of slip and fall accidents result in broken bones, like fractures on the hips, elbows, and other parts of the body.

For adults above the age of 55, such accidents are the main cause of occupational injuries at work. One and a half million adults over 65 get treated in intensive care units every year. Around 1800 Americans die from falling.

Common Hazards Leading To Slip & Fall Accidents

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, hundreds of people die each year due to slip and fall accidents. In addition, elderly people are 6 times more likely to be treated for slip and fall accidents when compared to younger people.

Slipping and falling can happen anywhere and at any time when a person walks, even at the workplace. Due to this, anyone can get exposed to such risks that are common in almost every workplace. Preventing such hazards will result in pocket-friendly insurance and legal costs for business houses, as it will reduce the victims’ injuries. A few common hazards include:

Uneven Surfaces

It is the most common cause of such accidents worldwide. In America alone, around 50% of slip-and-fall accidents happen due to wet and uneven surfaces. 

Walking will be dangerous if the floorboards are loose, the floors are a mess, and the sidewalks are imperfect. Even parking lot potholes could be hazardous. Additionally, torn carpeting, faulty staircases, floor mats, and others are common causes.

Conditions of Weather

Till now, it has been deemed that no one can control the weather, and the weather in itself leads to innumerable slip-and-fall accidents around the country.

During the winter, safety procedures get strictly implemented; otherwise, it may cause accidents. Government agencies and individual property owners should take responsibility for plowing streets and sidewalks and applying salt to steps and walkways.

No Proper Training

Slipping and falling happen in workplaces, mainly in the construction industry, due to a lack of proper training. All the employees, especially in high-risk industrial sectors, should be adequately trained to use the tools and other necessary equipment.

Senior Care Negligence

Many slip and fall accidents happen due to negligence at nursing homes. As per data from the CDC, 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 falls yearly, leading to many life-threatening cases. These accidents happen due to negligence in providing senior care to patients at nursing homes.

Improper Footwear

As per the National Floor Safety Institute, around 24% of slip and falls accidents occur due to wearing improper footwear.

Creating Fraud

As per the National Floor Safety Institute, out of all the slip and fall cases, around 3% are caused intentionally to get the claim. Few such issues happen to get staged, like pouring oil on the floor in a grocery shop and deliberately slipping on it.

Conclusion

Many accidents can be prevented by taking the proper care and attention necessary. The public should be educated and appropriately trained to avoid hazards due to slip and fall accidents. Getting in touch with slip and fall expert lawyers after the incident is always suitable for filing a case for compensation.