By: Deborah Greubel, DNP, APRN-CNP
MBU chief health officer
June is National Safety Month. Injuries resulting from slips, trips, and falls are more common than we might imagine. As a matter of fact, slips, trips, and falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in the United States. Even the smallest fall can lead to musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.
Despite workplace injuries having declined by 75% since 1972, about 2.3 million people worldwide have work-related accidents every year. In 2020–21 there were more than 470,000 workers in the U.S. who suffered from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.This type of injury accounts for over 28% of all work-related ill health.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of the musculoskeletal disorder cases in the 2018 private sector occurred in healthcare and social assistance. And, a lot of these injuries were related to slips, trips, and falls.
Here are the 10 most common injuries sustained from slips, trips, and falls:
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Other forms of traumatic brain injury
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Shoulder, elbow, and wrist injuries
- Facial injuries
- Chronic pain
So, let’s make workplace and home safety a top priority because falls are preventable. How do we do this?
- Determine what safety equipment is needed and be properly trained on how to use it.
- Look for potential hazards before starting any job.
- Keep the work area clear of hazards, and immediately clean up any spills.
- Don’t wear loose clothing that can get caught in equipment.
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Fall-proof your home:
- Keep floors and surfaces clear of clutter
- Keep electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas
- Use handrails on stairways
- Wear sensible footwear
- Maintain good lighting indoors and out
To read previous editions of the Medical Minute, please visit the MBU Wellness site.