Slips and falls can happen in a variety of places, including at home, the office, construction sites, or while out running errands. Falls can result in minor or lifelong injury, chronic pain, or in the worst of circumstances even death. It is important to understand the severity of these accidents and what to do if it happens to you.

Every year, 60,000 Canadian workers are injured in fall accidents in a combination of falls on level surfaces and from heights. Approximately 66% of falls are on same-level surfaces while the remaining 34% are falls from a height.

Falls make up 15% of all “time-loss injuries” accepted by workers’ compensation. In 40% of the cases, preventative measures could have been taken but were not. Canadian businesses lose between $20 million and $100 million from these avoidable accidents.

People who slip and fall can have a combination of physical and emotional distress. Physical injuries can be to muscles, bones, or organs, and can last for days to a lifetime. Emotional injuries are equally as valid, since lasting fear or nervousness may persist when in certain scenarios that remind the injured of their fall.

Fault for slip and fall accidents is not only linked to the individual involved in the accident. Landlords, property managers, business owners, and property owners may hold responsibility because they ultimately control the site of the accident.

Take preventative action to avoid slip and fall accidents. • Wear shoes with support and slip

resistant soles. • Take care walking on stairs or

uneven surfaces. • Use handrails on staircases. • Don’t take shortcuts. • Use the correct tools for the job

(ladders, step stools, etc.).

In the event you suffer from a slip and fall accident, it is important to investigate the fault right away to identify the root cause of the fall. Take photos of where the fall occurred and the surrounding area. If there are witnesses, ask for their name, address and phone number, so they may be interviewed later.

In addition to identifying the root cause, accidents should be reported to the appropriate authority immediately. If the fall occurs at work, file an accident report with Human Resources. If the fall occurs on government property, notify that government authority.

Barry Edson has successfully represented the general Toronto area for over 30 years. Trusted by local clients, he has acted as counsel on thousands

of personal injury, fatal accident, and disability claims. In the course of recovering millions of dollars in settlements, judgments, and disability payments

for his clients, he has also established many important legal precedents. Your initial consultation

with Barry Edson is always free and there is no pressure of further obligation.

Website: http://edsonlegal.com/

Phone: 1-855-702-3119

• http://jobsafety.seton.ca/10-tips-to-prevent-workplace-slips-trips-and-falls/

• http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/falls.html