Slip and fall accidents are an unfortunate and often overlooked workplace hazard in Missouri. However, research shows that wearing proper footwear can greatly reduce the likelihood of dangerous slips on wet, oily, or otherwise slippery surfaces. This makes the choice of shoes an important consideration for employees and employers across industry sectors in the state.
Accidental Deaths Caused by Slip and Falls
Statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reveal that 15% of all accidental deaths in the American workplace are caused by slip and fall accidents. This encompasses all kinds of slips, trips and falls on the same elevation or below – a category that creates around 20% of lost workday injuries yearly. For a state like Missouri with a large industrial and blue-collar workforce, having appropriate footwear is therefore essential.
Wear the Right Shoes for the Environment
The specific type of shoe needed depends on the work environment. For example, the food service and hospitality industries require slip-resistant shoes that provide grip, even when walking on greasy kitchen floors or wet restaurant surfaces. This could make the difference between a nasty fall versus walking safely across the room. Construction sites and factories would need sturdy boots or steel-toe shoes with a strong grip to prevent slips on rough or unstable ground. Medical staff, hairdressers and other professions that spend long hours standing up also benefit from shock-absorbing shoes that reduce fatigue.
Keep Shoes in Good Condition
Besides choosing the correct shoes for the job, consistently wearing them and maintaining their condition is vital. Worn-down soles that no longer provide enough traction must be promptly replaced. Debris stuck in the grooves of a shoe’s tread should be regularly cleaned out. Workers should avoid going shoeless or wearing inappropriate footwear such as flip-flops or high heels that lack stability or slip-resistance.
Missouri Statutes for Slip-Resistant Footwear
Missouri statutes do not explicitly mandate employers provide slip-resistant shoes. However, the general duty clause of OSHA legislation states all businesses must give employees a workplace free from recognized hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Several major court rulings have also found employers liable when improper footwear contributed to slip, trip and fall accidents. As such, providing suitable shoes can boost safety and limit liability risks.
Wearing appropriate slip-resistant shoes is an easy yet highly effective way to prevent dangerous fall accidents in Missouri workplaces. Employers and staff alike should recognize the importance of proper footwear and work together to foster a culture of safety underfoot. If your employer hasn’t provided you with suitable footwear or your working conditions are dangerous, contact our Kansas City personal injury lawyer today. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys in Missouri are here to help.
Monge & Associates has offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Missouri, Tennessee, and South Carolina. If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, whether in the workplace, in a store, or on private property, call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597.