By the Numbers: Slips, Trips, and Falls

DID YOU KNOW?

The third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls. In 2016, 34,673 people died in falls at home and at work, according to Injury Facts for working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death.

In 2016, 697 workers died in falls to a lower level, and 48,060 were injured badly enough to require days off of work. A worker doesn’t have fall from a high level to suffer fatal injuries; 134 workers were killed in falls on the same level in 2016, according to Injury Facts. Construction workers are most at risk for fatal falls from height – more than seven times the rate of other industries – but falls can happen anywhere, even at a “desk job.”

NSC data for 2016 includes falls from height and falls on the same level, by industry:

• Construction: 24,700 injuries, 384 deaths
• Manufacturing: 22,040 injuries, 49 deaths
• Wholesale trade: 10,250 injuries, 21 deaths
• Retail trade: 29,830 injuries, 29 deaths
• Transportation and Warehousing: 23,490 injuries, 46 deaths
• Professional and business services: 22,090 injuries, 111 deaths
• Education and health services: 43,660 injuries, 18 deaths
• Government: 63,350 injuries, 44 deaths

KEEP IN MIND

Slips, Trips, and Falls are Preventable

Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s important to plan ahead, assess the risk and use the right equipment.

• Discuss the task with coworkers and determine what safety equipment is needed.
• Make sure you are properly trained on how to use the equipment.
• Scan the work area for potential hazards before starting the job.
• Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment.
• If working outside, check the weather forecast; never work in inclement weather.
• Use the correct tool for the job, and use it as intended.
• Ensure stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open.
• Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder.
• Place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface.
• A straight or extension ladder should be 1 foot away from the surface it rests on for every 4 feet of height and extend at least 3 feet over the top edge.
• Keep the work area clear of hazards and in immediately clean up spills
• Read all instructions and safety precautions on your equipment
• Don’t wear loose clothing that can get caught in equipment
• Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support.
• Wear slip-resistant shoes and don’t stand higher than the third rung from the top.
• Don’t lean or reach while on a ladder, and have someone support the bottom.
• Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use.