What industries have the biggest fall risks?

On Behalf of | Oct 27, 2020 | Workers' compensation

Florida workers like you often face hazards on the job. Dangers are present no matter what industry you are part of. Some hazards are more prevalent than others. This includes fall risks, which occur in almost every industry. 

But do any industries have bigger fall risks than others? Which are they? And why do these falls occur in the first place? 

Highest number of falls and fatalities

The National Safety Council examines fall statistics from different industries. They examine a single work year; in specific, 2016. Government industries have the highest number of total injuries from falls. In this industry, 63,350 people ended up with injuries in one work year. But they do not have the deadliest number of falls. This goes to construction, in which 384 of the industry’s 24,700 injuries were fatal. 

By contrast, education and health services have the lowest number of fatalities. Of their falls, 18 people died. Wholesale trade has the lowest number of falls in general, with 22,040 people suffering from injury and 21 deaths. 

Causes of falls

Unfortunately, no matter the industry, almost all falls are preventable. They often happen due to a combination of factors, including: 

  • Lack of proper safety equipment 
  • Old or outdated equipment 
  • No safety training for employees 
  • Employers setting unreasonable deadlines 
  • Employers prioritizing speed over employee safety 
  • Improper use of ladders or other climbing tools 

You could circumvent many of these issues at the upper management level. Employees should have access to proper, safe materials and training. It is better for the entire workplace. Many annual fall accidents could potentially end up circumvented in this way.