It might surprise you to see how deadly workplace falls are to workers across the board. In 2016 alone, 697 workers died from falls to lower levels. 134 workers died in falls on the same level. 48,060 workers suffered from fall injuries severe enough to require time off work.
Fall statistics show that falls pose a great risk to workers of all sorts. So why are falls such a deadly problem?
Workplace fall statistics
The National Safety Council examines falls at the workplace. They look at the spread of injuries and fatalities among 8 major industrial fields. This includes 384 deaths in construction and 63,350 injuries in government. Respectively, these are the highest total injury counts and fatality counts. Even the field with the fewest fatalities – education and health services – still has 18. Wholesale trade has the fewest injuries, but they still had 10,250.
Major causes of workplace falls
Unfortunately, NSC states that falls are almost entirely preventable. Using the right equipment, assessing risks and planning ahead can greatly reduce the chance of an accident happening. Some of the biggest contributors to falls include:
- Workers rushing or feeling rushed through a job
- Employers not providing adequate safety training
- Inappropriate use of safety gear or work tools and equipment
- The use of old, outdated gear and equipment
- Working without an appropriate safety plan
To reduce fall statistics, the workplace must come together to prioritize worker safety. This is easier said than done, which is why so many industries still experience high numbers of fall incidents a year. If you experience a workplace fall, you may want to consider your options for seeking financial compensation.