New Jersey Slip, Trip & Fall Lawyers
Slip, Trip & Fall Workplace Accidents in NJ
On November 17, 2016 The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule updating its Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection Standards regarding slip, trip and fall workplace hazards–the leading cause of worker injuries and deaths. At the time of the final ruling, OSHA estimated that the new standard would save nearly 30 lives and prevent 5,800 hundred injuries each year.
The rule increased consistency between construction industry and general industry (building management, warehousing, retail, outdoor advertising, utilities, window cleaning and chimney sweeping) safety standards, allowing employers to use the same fall protection systems and equipment and follow the same safety practices regardless of industry.
The walking-working surfaces covered are:
- Floors
- Stairs
- Elevated walkways
- Roofs
- Ladders
- Scaffolds
- Ramps
Injuries From Falling at Work
Slips, trips, and falls–even falls on the same level, can cause fractures, contusions, lacerations, and sprains, and even death. Falls to lower levels can increase the severity of injuries and the likelihood of death. Falls on the same level can also result in strains and sprains when employees try to “catch” themselves to prevent falling.
Causes of Workplace Slips, Trips and Falls
There are many surface hazards in the workplace that can cause slips, trips, and falls. The more common are damaged or worn parts on personal fall protection systems and rope descent systems; portable ladders used for purposes for which they were not designed; fixed ladders that are not equipped with fall protection; unsafe scaffolding; damaged stair treads; snow, ice, water, or grease on walking-working surfaces such as floors; and dockboards that are not properly secured or anchored.
Other common causes of workplace slips, trips and falls are:
- Spilled liquids
- Uneven or cracked flooring
- Lack of or poor warning signage
- Broken or uneven stairs;inadequate railings
- Cables or wires stretched across the floor
Workers such as window washers that must do their jobs high above the ground using scaffolding are at great risk if employers do not meticulously adhere to OSHA regulations. In May 2019 a 68-year old man fell three stories while washing windows in New York City’s Flatiron district. Thankfully he survived and his injuries were not life-threatening.
Work Slip, Trip and Fall Injury FAQs
Can I Sue if I Fell at Work?
Many slips, trips and falls that occur at work are caused by a violation of OSHA regulations and are totally preventable. In the State of New Jersey, if your employer is the only party responsible for providing protection against these accidents workers’ compensation benefits may be your only recourse.
However, there may be some exceptions:
- If our employer intentionally caused your accident
- If a third party such as a subcontractor was responsible for your accident
- If your accident was caused by a defective product, you may be able to file a products liability case.
We understand that many families depend on the income of an injured worker we are dedicated to winning the benefits and compensation you deserve. Keefe Law Firm can help you recover:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and future income
- Damages for pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life from a permanent injury, disability or other factors
Keefe Law Firm Settlements and Verdicts
New Jersey’s Work Injury Attorneys
At Keefe Law firm, we have obtained millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for people that have been hurt by injuries and illness as a result of on-the job:
Chemical and Toxic Substances Exposure
Scaffolding and Ladder Accidents
Heavy Machinery and Equipment Accidents
Get A Free Case Evaluation
At Keefe Law Firm, we stand for our injured clients to attain nothing less than the compensation they deserve. Talk to a lawyer today about your options.