247,120 Slips, Trips, And Falls – Increased by 8%
Slips, trips, and falls as a type of WC injury increased by 8% when compared to 2013 figures. According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), there were 247,120 slips trips and falls in 2014. This figure was much more stable from 2011 – 2013. For some reason, a spike occurred in 2014.
Breaking down the numbers further, when assuming a 2,000 hourly annual workload, this type of injury accounts for 123 injuries per hour (one every 30 seconds) in the US.
| Year | Annual |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 229,630 |
| 2012 | 223,700 |
| 2013 | 229,190 |
| 2014 | 247,120 |
One has to wonder the reason for such an intense spike in slip, trips, falls in just one year.
As expected, the Fatalities from this injury type also spiked in 2014. The fatalities increased by almost 10%.
| Year | Annual |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 681 |
| 2012 | 704 |
| 2013 | 724 |
| 2014 | 793(P) |
| P : Preliminary | |
This type of injury increase can devastate Workers Comp markets overall. NCCI did not provide a reason for the increase, however, their rating statistics showed that slips and trips accounted for 30% of all claim dollars. Strains also accounted for 30%.
The prevention of this type of injury is key to reducing Workers Comp costs. Zurich has a very interesting slip, trip, and fall assessment guide that safety personnel and Risk Managers may find helpful. The assessment guide even has a great checklist to prevent this type of injury.
The guide is only five pages long. Reading through it will be well worth your time.
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