Figures estimate more than 540,000 falls require emergency treatment annually. Falls in Indiana and around the country are caused by various factors, such as age and unsafe conditions.
Statistics on falls in the home
The CDC reported 34,000 fatal falls among people 65 and older in 2020, which makes it the top cause of death among seniors. Almost half of fatal falls that occur in the home happen at ground level as opposed to higher levels. The National Floor Institute reveals that 75% of slip and fall accidents occur in the home, most frequently occurring in the living room.
Death rates from falls are six times higher in people 75 and older, who account for 70% of fatalities involving falls. Falls related to loose carpeting and throw rugs cause around 5,000 people to visit the emergency room annually.
Statistics on workplace falls
In 2020, 27% of nonfatal work injuries from slips, trips and falls caused missed work days. Slip and fall accidents account for the most workers’ compensation claims at 16-26% of the cost.
While falls can occur across any industry, some occupations are riskier, such as construction and mining. Falls cause the most fatal accidents among construction workers, which is around 36%, or one in three affected workers. In 2019, slips, trips and falls caused 32% of nonfatal injuries, averaging 28 missed work days per incident.
The Bureau of Labor reports that slips and falls lead to around 104 million lost work days annually. OSHA figures reveal that over 6,000 companies got citations for failing to meet fall safety standards in 2015.
Many falls are preventable, and premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for keeping their areas safe. If a person believes that property owner negligence played a role in their slip and fall case, they can seek damages from at-fault parties.
