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Become familiar with the causes of slip-and-fall accidents

On Behalf of | Aug 22, 2018 | workers' compensation

It doesn’t matter if you work indoors or outside, you could be part of a slip-and-fall accident at some point. With this danger lurking, it’s important to understand the potential causes of these accidents.

When you’re clear about what could go wrong, it’s much easier to avoid a situation in which you’re the victim of a slip and fall.

Here are some of the top causes:

  • Wet or slick floors, such as after a cleaning or polish
  • Uneven walking surfaces
  • Dry floors with powder or wood dust covering them
  • Uneven transition from one surface type to another
  • Damaged steps
  • Missing or damaged handrails
  • Clutter or debris
  • Cables and electrical cords
  • Sloped surface
  • Weather hazards, such as rain and ice
  • Wet leaves on an outdoor surface
  • Pothole or cracks in a sidewalk or parking lot

While these are among the top causes of slip-and-fall accidents, other things can come into play throughout your work day.

You should never assume that you’re free of risk because of your profession, such as if you work an office job. Indoor workers are just as likely as outdoor workers to suffer from an injury in a slip-and-fall accident.

If you find yourself on the ground, check yourself for injuries and call for medical help. Also, report the incident to your employer so they fully understand that you were injured on the job.

Once you receive treatment, work with your medical team to decide what to do next. You may not be able to return to work, meaning it’s time to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.