Work-related slip, trip, and fall (STF) incidents can often result in serious, disabling injuries that affect a healthcare worker’s ability to perform their job. These incidents may lead to:
- Lost workdays
- Reduced productivity
- Expensive workers’ compensation claims
- A diminished ability to provide quality patient care
STFs are a leading cause of lost-time injuries in healthcare.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009), the incidence rate of lost-workday injuries from slips, trips, and falls on the same level in hospitals was 38.2 per 10,000 employees—nearly 90% higher than the average for all other private industries combined (20.1 per 10,000 employees).
STFs overall are the second most common cause of lost-workday injuries in hospitals. The combination of a large workforce at risk and the frequent occurrence of STF accidents makes them a significant safety concern for healthcare employees.
This module will take a closer look at the top hazards that contribute to STFs in the healthcare environment and provide strategies to help reduce these risks.