Even if a company doesn’t mean to, its working environment could lead to harm to an employee. Among injury risks common to most businesses is the slip and fall risk.
Should an employee slip and fall during the course of their duties, they may qualify for workers’ compensation. In fact, slip and fall claims account for around 20 percent of all workers’ comp claims, amounting to more than one million cases per year.
Workers’ Compensation for Slips and Falls
When an employee slips and falls, they can do so from a variety of hazards. Fall risks exist in every workplace, not just manual labor positions. Following a fall, an employee may have to leave work in order to recover.
Workers’ compensation might help the injured employee afford medical care, rehab and the cost of living during recovery. It provides a valuable replacement income while the employee cannot work. By law, most employers have to carry workers’ compensation insurance. So, regardless of whether the employer’s negligence led to fall, it may still have to provide workers’ comp.
Protecting Worker Safety
Though negligence may not factor into workers’ comp payments, employers still have to follow workplace safety laws. They often have a responsibility to prevent slips and falls as best they can. This can make a working environment safer for employees.
Many common practices can help a business reduce fall and workers' comp risks:
- Keep OSHA and workplace rights regulations on display at all times. Often, the law requires such displays.
- Frequently walk through your business. Do so at least once per day. Be on the lookout for fall risks. If you find any, either fix them or isolate the hazard.
- Check your bathroom, kitchens, fountains and other exposed piping for leaks. Leaks are common slip and fall hazards. If you notice a leak, isolate it, and place appropriate wet floor signs in the area. Either shut off the water or call a plumber immediately
- Monitor the structure of the business to see if it poses fall risks. Broken flooring, pavement, uneven stairs and even poor lighting may increase fall risks. If you notice a potentially unsafe area, post notices to warn visitors and employees
- Keep pathways clear of business materials, furniture and electrical cords. Make sure employees know to keep pathways clear. Tidy these areas regularly to avoid debris accumulation.
Should a slip and fall occur, immediately see that the employee gets the proper medical care. Afterwards, work with the employee to file a workers’ compensation claim, if needed.
Need workers’ comp insurance? Look no further. Call The Louisiana Insurance Center at (225) 292-7680 for a fast, free Baton Rouge workers comp insurance quote.