Significant claims, while tragic and heartbreaking, serve as a reminder to remain vigilant in our risk management efforts.
VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) has received several serious claims relating to slips, trips and falls.
- An employee riding on the tailgate of a service truck to put out work zone signs. While the truck was moving at less than five miles per hour, it encountered a speedbump which caused the worker to fall out and hit their head on the pavement. This resulted in a severe head injury and permanent brain damage – to the extent that this employee is permanently and totally disabled.
This was a significant injury to the employee and cost the pool nearly $1.5 million.
- A 62-year-old resource teacher was standing on a table hanging a picture on the wall. As she was stepping off of the table, it tipped, causing the employee to fall and land on her knee. After several surgeries, she will still need a total knee replacement.
This claim remains open with costs exceeding $500,000.
- An employee was leaving work in the evening after dark. Upon exiting the building, in an area that was dimly lit due to an inoperative light bulb, the employee slipped on some leaves and fell. The employee lost consciousness for a brief period of time. Later treated at the emergency room, the employee was diagnosed with a closed head injury.
This claim has cost in excess of $80,000.
These tragic fall injuries could all have been prevented.
Policies regarding riding unsecured in open vehicles; prohibiting standing on anything but approved climbing devices; and requiring adequate lighting at entrances, exits, and work areas may have prevented such claims.
VMLIP encourages all members to develop, adopt, and enforce policies and procedures as it relates to slips, trips, and falls.
For more information on slip, trip, and fall prevention, visit our VMLIP Multimedia Library to review the following titles:
- #456—FALL FACTORS: UNDERSTANDING & PREVENTING SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS (DVD—12 Minutes) Provides viewers with an understanding of the factors involved falls as well as the common hazards and unsafe actions.
- #477 – SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS FOR SCHOOLS (DVD—12 Minutes) This video provides training on preventing slips, trips and falls in the school environment.
- #287 – SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS – KEEPING A STEP AHEAD (DVD – 13 Minutes) Summit Training Source, Inc. Identifies causes of common slips, trips and falls in the workplace, techniques to prevent and reduce injuries from occurring, when, where and how to use full protection equipment.
- #486—SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS: SPLIT SECOND SAFETY (DVD—18 Minutes) Program covers definitions of slips, trips, and falls, causes of slips, trips, and falls, housekeeping, workplace design solutions, safe walking and working practices and proper footwear.
- #449 – SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS: STRANGER THAN FRICTION (DVD – 20 Minutes) Follow Jim through an often humorous day as he learns the difference between slips, trips and falls and how awareness, proper attention to surroundings and correct usage of safety can prevent a life-altering situation.
- #503 – WINTER WALKING—STAYING ON YOUR FEET (DVD – 10 Minutes) Helps employees understand the need to adjust their walking behavior and techniques when the snow begins to fall.
Check out the VMLIP Online University for additional online training options:
- Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls, 45 minutes, Course Code: ST61
- Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls for Firefighters, 45 minutes, Course Code: ST63
- Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls for Law Enforcement Officers, 45 minutes, Course Code: ST65
- Slips, Trips, and Falls, 30 minutes, Course Code: ST15
For more information on developing programs for your entity or specific exposure, contact your safety consultant at 800-963-6800.