Going to work means facing the usual elements in the work environment. For workers in Ohio and elsewhere, that could mean a wide variety of factors. For some, this may mean a desk and an office setting, but for others, it means working at great heights or with machinery. Regardless if a worker works at the ground level or at a height, it is possible to fall when walking, climbing or even standing in the workplace.
There are various circumstances that could lead to a fall accident in the work environment. This could occur because of a slippery, cluttered or unstable walking or working surface. It could also be the result of unprotected edges, floor holes and wall openings, unsafely positioned ladders and misused fall protection.
Based on data collected in 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 261,930 workers in the private industry, state and local government missed one or more days from work due to injuries that resulted from a fall occurring on the same level or to a lower level. It was further reported that 798 workers died from such falls.
With regards to fall related deaths, the construction industry reported the highest rate. On the other hand, the highest numbers of fall injuries in total were associated with health services and the wholesale and retail industries.
When workers suffer a fall injury, they not only suffer physical pain from the injuries suffered, they also endure financial hardships as well. This is associated with the medical bills and lost wages caused by missed work. In order to offset these losses, injured workers could apply for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits could help address these damages, helping a worker take the time required to properly recover.