Slipping, tripping and falling are types of accidents that can happen to anyone. However, people who work in certain occupations can be at a higher risk of these incidents than others.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) has identified five industries in which workers can be disproportionately affected by work-related falls. If you work in the following sectors, you should know some important facts about falling accidents on the job.
Industries most affected by falls
According to OHS, the following occupations and job functions see the highest number of falling accidents:
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- Construction – people who work on scaffolding, rooftops, and rough terrain
- Utilities and public works – people who work in gas, sewer, water and electricity services
- Healthcare aids – those who provide support and care to sick and disabled people in their homes
- Agriculture – farmers, workers who operate tractors and anyone working in grain bins
- Energy – workers who provide gas and oil services and work on elevated equipment
If you or your loved one works in these capacities, it is crucial to know how to protect yourself and what to do if a fall does occur.
Fall protection systems
There are numerous systems available to help protect workers from falls. Depending on the job, workers can utilize:
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- Harnesses
- Lanyards
- Anchor systems
- Self-retracting lifelines
- Warning lines
These and other types of equipment can help secure workers if they are in danger of falling.
It is also crucial to take certain precautions. Workers should wear appropriate gear and comply with training practices.
When a fall occurs
Unfortunately, despite all the equipment and safety measures people utilize to prevent falls, they can still happen – particularly in especially dangerous industries and workspaces.
Should a fall happen, receiving immediate medical attention is crucial. Falls can lead to brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and other severe conditions, and early treatment is vital to minimizing the damage.
It can also be critical to explore your options for financial and legal remedies to help cover medical bills and lost wages. Whether these remedies include workers’ compensation benefits, a personal injury claim or both, injured workers and their families can find great relief in getting the financial help they need to recover from a serious falling accident.