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Slips, Trips, and Falls: A Leading Cause of Missed Work Explained by a Personal Injury Lawyer


Shay + Associates Law Firm personal injury lawyer in Springfield and Decatur, Illinois

People in Illinois who work in a job where they are always moving may be at risk for a slip, trip, or fall. These types of accidents often happen in cluttered or crowded work environments or in workplaces with slippery floors.

A Common Workplace Accident

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common types of workplace accidents that result in missed workdays. In fact, this category of workplace accidents is the second leading cause of serious occupational injury. More than one-quarter of workplace injuries that cause people to miss work are from slips, trips, and falls.

Types of Slips, Trips, and Falls

There are several different types of workplace accidents that are considered a slip, trip, or fall for statistical purposes. These accidents are:

  • A slip or trip without a fall to the ground. This kind of accident happens when a worker catches himself during a slip or trip.

  • A fall to the same level. This kind of accident happens when a worker falls to the ground that they were walking on.

  • A fall to a lower level. These accidents could include stair falls or falls from structures such as roofs or ladders.

  • A jump to a lower level. While a jump is technically not a fall, jumps are included in the fall category of workplace accidents when they result in an injury.

Industries That Are Most at Risk

Workers in a couple of industries experience the highest number of slips, trips, and falls each year. These industries are transportation and warehousing. Busy warehouses can be especially dangerous work environments when the floors aren’t kept dry and clean.

In the transportation industry, there is an added risk factor of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. In fact, the fourth leading cause of serious workplace injury is transportation incidents.

What if You Have to Take Time Off Work?

Getting a serious injury on the job can be devastating for a person who is the sole source of income for their family. However, workers’ compensation insurance may be able to cover the time off.


Don't hesitate to reach out to Shay + Associates Law Firm if you require the expertise of a skilled personal injury lawyer in Springfield or Decatur, Illinois.


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