Do you work at height on a daily basis? If so, you’re probably used to being high in the air as you complete a variety of tasks. Even so, this doesn’t mean that you should overlook the seriousness of a fall.
A fall from height can lead to serious injury or even death. For example, a construction worker could fall off a ladder while he or she is attempting to reach a roof, or maybe a painter falls from scaffolding.
There are many injuries associated with this type of fall, including but not limited to traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord trauma and broken bones. Obviously, the higher the distance to the ground, the greater chance there is that the victim will suffer a serious injury.
When it comes to fall prevention and safety, there are many steps that workers and employers need to take. For example, workers should only work at height when they have the appropriate equipment in place. Along with this, employers should inspect equipment, such as ladders and scaffolding, on a regular basis.
In the event that you are injured in a fall from height accident, don’t hesitate to receive immediate medical attention. Even if it was a short fall and even if you feel okay after the accident, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Once you know your injuries and treatment schedule, you can then look into filing a workers’ compensation claim. If this is denied for any reason, don’t hesitate to file an appeal. You’ve been injured at work and you may need to receive workers’ compensation benefits until you can return to your job. An attorney can help you learn more about appealing a denied claim.
Source: American College of Surgeons, “Injuries Due to Falls from Heights,” accessed Feb. 24, 2017