As a worker in Florida, you have likely encountered dangers at the workplace before. Some are more common than others. Some dangers are widespread enough that they appear in almost every industry out there.
Fall incidents are among the most common workplace accidents you may run into. But even these dangers affect different industries in different ways.
The National Safety Council looks at fall incident statistics across industries. It is likely not a surprise, but the construction industry has the highest number of fatal falls. Out of 24,700 people injured in 2016, 384 of them died. However, construction does not hold the highest number of injuries. Instead, government industries have the highest injuries at 63,350.
On the other hand, education and health services have the lowest number of fatalities. Of 43,660 injuries, 18 people died. Wholesale trade has the lowest number of injuries at 10,250. It also has the second-lowest fatalities at 21 deaths.
What leads to fatalities?
People who work in riskier environments tend to face a higher chance of death. For example, construction workers often work at great heights. This means that falls have a higher potential to end up lethal. Industries with a large number of people also tend to have higher fall rates. This is true even if these industries do not involve heavy physical labor or hurdles.
What most industries have in common is that fall incidents are avoidable. Emphasis on updated equipment and safety training vastly reduces the chance of a fall occurring. Employers who ensure this also help to secure the safety and happiness of their workers.
Regardless of the industry, most workplace falls are preventable. Employers have a responsibility to prioritize safety by providing updated equipment, thorough training, and proper fall prevention protocols. If you’ve been injured in a fall on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the support you deserve.
