January 2012

Same-level falls rising nationwide

By Kyle Harward

SORM continues its series of articles on slips, trips, and falls with a focus on falls on the same level. These types of falls occur when people fall to the surface they are walking or standing on or fall into or against objects at or above the surface. Falls on the same level saw a growth trend of 41.9 percent from 1998-2008, and ranked as the second leading cause of injuries producing disability in 2008, according to figures from the Liberty Mutual Group Inc.

Falls on the same level come at a great cost to both the worker and the employer. The worker can experience pain, lost wages, temporary or permanent disability, reduced quality of life, and/or depression. The employer will have a loss in productivity and business, possible increased insurance premiums, and costs associated with training a replacement worker.

Total Slips, Trips, Falls Claims Costs By Cause FY ‘05-FY ‘10 Other Fall, Slip, Trip $33,809,806 From Different Level (Elevation) $11,110,996 From Ladder/Scaffolding $1,309,760 From Liquid/Grease Spills $10,854,852 Into Openings $1,240,855 On Ice/Snow $1,463,829 On Same Level $19,387,918 On Stairs $7,016,451 Slipped, Did Not Fall $3,505,967 Grand Total $89,700,434 Average Per Fiscal Year $14,950,072

From FY ‘05 to FY ‘10, SORM accepted 10,944 slips, trips, and falls claims totaling $89.7 million from employees at client agencies. Falls on the same level accounted for 27 percent of those claims (or 2,995 claims), costing almost $19.4 million, with the average claim costing $6,473.

Some common causes of falls on the same level include:

• Clutter in the way;
• Employees in a hurry, not paying attention;
• Floor surfaces in disrepair;
• Inappropriate footwear;
• Loose or unanchored mats or rugs;
• Obstructed views;
• Open cabinets, file, or desk drawers;
• Poor lighting, glare, or shadows;
• Transition from one floor type to another;
• Uncovered cables;
• Uneven walking surfaces;
• Wet, oily, or otherwise contaminated walkways; and
• Weather hazards.

Some best practices to mitigate same-level falls include:

• Always closing cabinet, file, or desk drawers;
• Covering cables across walkways;
• Not carrying or pushing anything that prevents you from seeing obstructions, spills, etc.;
• Providing effective education, training, and supervision;
• Keeping floors maintained, clean, and dry, if possible;
• Keeping passageways and aisles clear of clutter;
• Keeping work areas and walkways well lit;
• Posting warning signs at the locations of slip, trip, or fall hazards;
• Securing mats, rugs, etc. that don’t lay flat;
• Using slip/skid-resistant matting where individuals encounter slippery or foreign materials on the floor surface;
• Walking with feet pointed slightly outward, making wide turns, adjusting stride; and
• Reviewing dress codes and enoucraging employees to wear slip-resistant footwear.

No matter how cautious employees may be, sometimes falls still happen. Remember these rules to fall properly: (1) roll with the fall by letting your body crumple; (2) bend your elbows and knees, and use your legs and arms to absorb the fall; and (3) always seek medical attention after a fall to treat anything torn, sprained, or broken.

By incorporating these best practices, both employees and employers can reduce the risk of falls on the same level. It requires a joint effort from employers to provide a safe working environment through education and training of safety policies and good housekeeping, and from employees to take their time and pay attention to where they are going. Doing so should reduce the number of slips, trips, and falls on the same level, reduce the risk of injury, and lower the cost to both the employer and employee.

Kyle Harward is an administrative assistant in the Risk Assessment and Loss Prevention division.