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“Slips, trips, and falls happen every day in the United States. They happen in industrial companies, the food service industry, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, private homes, and other locations across the country. At Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., we see the devastating effects of these accidents and urge those providing environments for all of us to think about on-going prevention,” said Fort Myers Slip and Fall Attorney Randall Spivey.

Industrial Accidents

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that slips, trips and falls make up the majority of general industry accidents.

• Slips, trips, and falls make up 15 percent of all accidental deaths per year – the second leading cause behind motor vehicle accidents.
• Per fiscal year, about 25 percent of all reported injury claims are from slips, trips, and falls.
• Injuries sustained from slips, trips, and falls have led to more than 95 million lost workdays per year, which is about 65 percent of all workdays lost.

There are a variety of situations that may cause industry slips, trips and falls:

• Wet or greasy floors
• Dry floors with wood dust or powder
• Uneven walking surfaces
• Polished or freshly waxed floors
• Loose flooring, carpeting or mats
• Transition from one floor type to another
• Missing or uneven floor tiles and bricks
• Damaged or irregular steps; no handrails
• Sloped walking surfaces
• Shoes with wet, muddy, greasy or oily soles
• Clutter
• Electrical cords or cables
• Open desk or file cabinet drawers
• Damaged ladder steps
• Ramps and gang planks without skid-resistant surfaces
• Metal surfaces — dock plates, construction plates
• Weather hazards — rain, sleet, ice, snow, hail, frost
• Wet leaves or pine needles

Restaurant Accidents

EHS Today reports that slips and falls are the most frequent injury to food service workers. There are many hazards in restaurants, including water, ice and grease on the floor, spilled food, condensation, people going in and out of kitchens, hot pans, and plates of food.

"Slips and falls statistically land at the top of the list of accidents that occur in food service kitchens," says Jeff Nelken, a food safety expert and trainer. "You look at why they occur – wet, sticky and greasy floors, fast-moving employees, shoes that aren't slip-resistant, food on the floor, multiple elevations – and you try to increase awareness among employees about what's going on around them." He calls this kind of training "creating a 'pre-fall awareness.'"

Nursing Home & Long-Term Care Facility Accidents

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that approximately 1,800 nursing home residents die each year because of slip and fall accidents. There are thousands more who suffer serious and disabling injuries because of falls. According to the CDC, here are the most common causes:

• Muscle weakness and walking or gait problems account for about 24 percent of the falls in nursing homes.
• Environmental hazards in nursing homes cause 16 percent to 27 percent of falls among residents.  Such hazards include wet floors, poor lighting, incorrect bed height, and improperly fitted or maintained wheelchairs.
• Medications can increase the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs, are of particular concern.
• Other causes of falls include difficulty in moving from one place to another (for example, from the bed to a chair), poor foot care, poorly fitting shoes, and improper or incorrect use of walking aids.

“Every business is legally responsible for maintaining a safe environment. If you or a loved one has been injured because of the negligence of another, please contact our experienced legal team. We are available 24/7 to assist you,” said Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Slip and Fall Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact  Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.