Lexicon Legal Content Special Report: Falls are the Leading Cause of Preventable and Serious Injuries in the U.S. Workplace

Lexicon Legal Content, a legal content producer with extensive research experience across multiple areas of law, including personal injury, recently released a special report. This report reveals that falls at work remain the leading cause of preventable and life-threatening injuries in U.S. workplaces. 

Despite improved safety guidelines, these incidents continue to affect thousands of workers every year, frequently resulting in long-term health complications, financial strain, and complex legal claims.

Why Falls at Work Remain So Common

Workplace falls occur in every industry, from construction sites and warehouses to offices, restaurants, and retail stores. According to national safety data, slips, trips, and falls consistently rank among the top causes of non-fatal workplace injuries. They rank second in workplace fatalities.

As highlighted in this Lexicon Legal research report, common causes include slippery floors, obstructed pathways, poor lighting, unstable working surfaces, improper ladder use, and inadequate safety protocols. Employers are legally required to provide reasonably safe working conditions, yet many hazards remain unchecked.

Facts About Workplace Falls

Falls while working occur most frequently at construction sites. The National Safety Council reports that workers in the industry are more than seven times as likely to experience a fall as other workers. However, a fall can occur anywhere. Even fatal falls can happen in the office.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) projects that falls at work cost the U.S. $70 billion yearly.

 Types of Injuries Workers Suffer When They Fall at Work

The injuries caused by falls at work vary widely depending on the height of the fall, the worker’s position, and the working environment. Some of the most frequently reported injuries include:

1. Broken Bones and Fractures

Employees often suffer fractures to the wrists, arms, legs, hips, and ankles when they try to brace themselves during a fall or land on a hard surface.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Falls are one of the leading causes of concussions and more severe TBIs. Even a fall from standing height can cause the head to strike the floor or nearby equipment.

3. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

A fall can result in slipped discs, nerve damage, chronic back pain, or, iin the most serious cases, partial or complete paralysis.

4. Soft-Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and muscle damage are extremely common. While sometimes underestimated, these injuries can lead to prolonged pain and reduced mobility.

5. Internal Injuries

Some falls cause internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the kidneys, spleen, or lungs, requiring emergency medical treatment.

6. Shoulder and Joint Injuries

Workers frequently injure their shoulders, knees, and elbows during impact. Rotator cuff tears, dislocations, and cartilage damage may require surgery.

7. Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations

Sharp edges, debris, or equipment can cause deep wounds that require stitches or carry a risk of infection.

These injuries often lead to significant medical treatment, extended recovery periods, and permanent impairment, underscoring why prevention is critical.

The High Cost of Preventable Workplace Falls

The personal and financial burdens caused by falls at work extend far beyond the initial injury. Workers may face lost wages, long-term rehabilitation, and permanent disability. Employers face workers’ compensation claims, legal liability, OSHA penalties, and decreased productivity. Through its analysis, Lexicon Legal Content emphasizes that most workplace falls are entirely preventable with proper safety measures in place.

Legal Considerations After a Fall at Work

Fall-related cases frequently involve workers’ compensation, premises liability, negligence, or third-party claims, depending on who bears responsibility for the unsafe conditions. Because determining liability often requires understanding specific workplace safety rules, high-quality, research-driven legal content, such as the resources provided by Lexicon Legal, is essential for personal injury attorneys when communicating with injury clients.

Preventing Workplace Falls Through Safety and Policy

Employers can protect workers by adopting routine hazard inspections, mandating safety training, utilizing guardrails or fall-arrest systems, enhancing lighting, and maintaining clear pathways. Encouraging employees to report hazards immediately and maintaining strict compliance with OSHA standards significantly reduces the likelihood of workplace falls.

Call Lexicon Legal Content Now

Lexicon Legal Content sheds light on critical workplace safety concerns, and its findings confirm that falls at work remain one of the most common, preventable, and dangerous causes of injury. Understanding the types of injuries, legal implications, and prevention strategies empowers both employers and employees to create safer working environments. Call 877-486-8123 if you’re a lawyer in need of a knowledgeable legal writer.

About the Author

Donna Ryan is an experienced legal writer. She currently resides and works in Tucson, Arizona. She is familiar with a wide range of legal topics.