Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace - What Should Employees in Apopka Be Aware of?

By Cindy Cummings

In Florida, slips, trips and falls are the second most common cause of fatal occupational injuries. If a worker is seriously injured because of a slip or fall they may be out of work for weeks and take a long time to recover fully. Since Florida has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, prompt action is advisable if a claim for compensation is to be made. To prevent trips and falls, employers in Apopka should take steps to ensure the workplace is free from hazards. At the same time, raising awareness of health and safety issues in the community can also help to reduce the risk of injury from a fall.

Dealing with Same Level Slips and Trips

Slips and falls are a leading cause of workplace injury, particularly for older workers. Flooring surfaces and materials are a common factor in slips and trips, and contribute to more than 2 million injuries each year. Falls can also be caused by trip hazards such as trailing wires and boxes cluttering corridors. In Florida, all employers are accountable for the conditions of their premises, which is why they should take steps to ensure that they are well-lit, fitted with handrails where appropriate and generally free from risk. If a worker is injured due to their employer’s negligence, they may be able to file an insurance claim. Click for more on making a claim for a slip and fall accident or other types of personal injury.

Safety Stand-Downs Prevent Falls from Elevation

Falls from a height remain a leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry, and can cause severe injuries including head trauma and damage to the spine. While the City of Apopka Building-Safety Division pledges to diligently enforce codes governing construction, increasing awareness of potential hazards amongst workers can also help to reduce the number of falls from elevation. In June, construction organizations throughout Florida stopped work on site in order to hold an hour-long safety meeting with their workers. Organized by the Florida Crane Safety Alliance in conjunction with OSHA, it focused on raising awareness about the requirements for crane and rigging safety. Another OSHA event, The Annual Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, has now been successfully running for seven years, helping contractors to identify fall hazards, reduce the risk of accidents and save lives.

Slips, trips and falls are common causes of workplace injuries. At the same time as implementing safety measures, employers in Apopka can also reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by raising awareness of trip and fall hazards.