Slips and falls are some of the most common accidents that lead to injuries; these can be as minor as an ankle sprain or as major as a broken hip or pelvis. Moreover, they can happen anywhere—at home, at work, or even at a mall.
There are a multitude of reasons that cause slips and falls—some of which include uneven ground, slippery surfaces, upturned floor mats, and debris or objects in a person’s path. Recent Workplace Safety and Prevention Statistics showed that 17,000 lost-time injuries take place every year in Canada due to falls in the workplace. In addition, about 20 people die every year in Ontario due to slipping and falling at work.
Let’s talk about the most common injuries that can result from a slip and fall incident.
Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises are common injuries that result from slip and fall accidents. These can cause internal or external damage, depending upon the severity of the fall. Though some abrasions may appear minor, major disfigurements can cause significant damage to your appearance.
Sprained Ankles
Soft tissue injuries—including sprained ankles and wrists—are barely noticeable aesthetically. The sprain might not even be felt for days or weeks after the incident. However, the issue will become a lot worse if not treated on time.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur when a person hits the ground, twists beyond their limits, among other causes. They’re quite severe, with various adverse side effects that affect mobility, cause fatigue, as well as muscle spasms. Slipped discs, paralysis, and hernias are a few major injuries that are caused by a slip and fall episode.
Hip Fracture
Among the most severe of all slip and fall injuries, hip injuries involve a broken hip or pelvis. They’re especially common among senior citizens. It usually requires a surgery and involves a long recovery time.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries call for a medical emergency, as they can cause serious damage that affects your mobility and bodily functions. They occur when a person hits their head on the ground due to a trip or fall accident. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can cause seizures and compromise brain functionality.
Fall Protection Training is crucial for everyone, regardless of their profession. Whether you’re working in an industrial setting or serving people at a restaurant, it’s necessary to be informed about the safety procedures for a truly safe environment. Call us at 604-521-4227 and learn how to deal with emergency situations today.
Metro Safety Training provides first aid training courses in the field of First Aid Training, striving to be the best in industry across British Columbia, Canada.
