Falls are a problem that are all too common in the workplace. Many conditions can lead to such an accident, most of which are associated with some sort of hazard. Employers have a responsibility to their employees to make sure that these workplace fall hazards are identified and taken care of properly. Too often, however, a potential danger goes overlooked, resulting in damage, or injury to an employee. The fact that these common workplace dangers were overlooked poses several issues that can cause you pain, suffering, and financial hardship.
If you’ve incurred injuries at work, then retaining the help of a skilled work injury lawyer can make all the difference in your case. Whether your injury was caused by your employer or a third party, Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. has the experience to handle every step of your case. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today at (205) 933-1500.
Workplace Fall Hazards
Some of the most common issues that result in workplace falls include:
Surfaces That are Slippery, Cluttered, or Unstable
Unstable work surfaces often lead to injury. Many employers allow work areas to grow cluttered, or they take their time completing repairs and cleaning. From an office to a warehouse, a mess around a workplace can lead to a fall. All it takes is one misstep to result in a life-altering injury.
Clutter is often overlooked when it’s in an area that’s not frequently used. In the same way, employers may put off repairing or cleaning unused areas to save money. Lack of use does not excuse the responsibility to provide a safe work environment. Any instability around a workplace increases the risk of injury.
Openings in the Floor or Wall
The danger of a wall opening is also sometimes overlooked based on the location of the opening. If it’s unnoticeable, your employer may not consider it worth the money or time to fix. It is impossible to predict when the missing support provided by the wall will become crucial. Openings weaken the structural integrity of the surrounding wall as well, further increasing the chances of potential injuries.
Holes in the floor are similarly dangerous. Workers can fall or trip and injure themselves. This problem is not simply fixed by covering the holes. Like a hole in the wall, the ground around the hole will weaken, increasing the probability of a fall.
Ladders
Ladders tend to get overlooked because of how common their use is. There is a misconception that falling from the height of a normal ladder will not result in a severe injury. This is not the case. Even ladders of regular height can cause injury if they suffer from such issues as:
- Weakened rungs
- Rust or weather damage
- Unstable base
- Uneven sides
- Worn or damaged grip
These problems can result in a fall and a serious injury. An attorney will discuss your case in detail, including whether the condition of your environment and equipment were up to an acceptable standard.
Contact a Work Injury Attorney for Help Today
Enlisting the services of a lawyer is the first step towards fighting for the compensation you deserve in a personal injury case. If you’ve been hurt at work in Alabama due to any number of workplace fall hazards, contact Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. for help. You have rights while you’re at work, and our attorneys will make sure those right remain protected. For help with your work injury case, contact us today at (205) 933-1500 to schedule a free, initial evaluation of your case.
