Falls from great heights are all too common, and they can cause serious injury or even death. Every year, more than 600 workers are killed in falls from great heights in the United States, and the number of fatalities is steadily increasing. Unfortunately, many people are unsure of what to do or how to deal with the legal and medical consequences of such an accident. In this article, we will look at what to do immediately after a fall from a height, the significance of proper medical treatment, the significance of legal consultation, and resources for those who have been involved in a fall from a height accident.
What is a Fatal Fall?
A fatal fall is one that causes death or serious injury after falling from a great height. Falls in any industry, including construction, manufacturing, and landscaping, can occur. A variety of factors can contribute to fatal falls, including inadequate safety measures, faulty equipment, and hazardous conditions. Fatal falls are avoidable, but they still happen far too frequently.
Fatal falls can be especially devastating for the victims’ families. Aside from the emotional toll, the financial burden of medical and/or funeral expenses can be crushing. That is why it is critical to understand the laws governing these accidental falls, how to protect yourself and your loved ones from them, and how to investigate your legal options if they occur.
Different Types of Height Falls
Height falls are classified into two types: falls of six feet or more and falls of less than six feet. Falls of six feet or more are classified as “fatal falls” and necessitate special precautions and equipment. Falls from less than six feet in height necessitates a lower level of protection and equipment.
Falls of six feet or more are especially dangerous because they increase the risk of serious injury, paralysis, or death. Employers must take precautions to ensure that all employees are adequately protected from these hazardous falls.
Causes of Falls From Height
Falls from heights can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common causes of falls from a height include:
- Inadequate safety measures: Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workplaces are safe and that employee safety measures are in place. They should provide appropriate fall protection equipment, such as safety equipment, ladders, and scaffolds. Employees may be at risk of falling from great heights if employers fail to provide adequate safety measures.
- Faulty equipment: Faulty or malfunctioning equipment can play a significant role in falls from great heights. Employers should regularly check and maintain all of the equipment on their job sites to make sure it is in good shape.
- Hazardous conditions: Wet or slippery surfaces, broken stairs and ladders, weak roofs, poorly fitted rails, loose bolts and screws, clutter, and uneven ground can all make work sites dangerous. Employers should take steps to identify and eliminate any potentially hazardous conditions on their premises.
Fatal Fall Safety Regulations in New York State
The state of New York has several laws and regulations in place to protect employees from falling from heights. These regulations include:
- Fall protection: Employers in New York must provide fall protection for any employee working from a height of six feet or more. This includes guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.
- Training: Employers must train employees on fall protection and other safety measures. This training should be conducted regularly and include information on identifying and avoiding hazardous conditions.
- Inspections: Employers must regularly inspect their worksites to identify hazardous conditions and take corrective action.
These regulations exist to protect workers from fatal falls. Employers need to understand and comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of their employees.
Fall Protection Measures for Construction Sites
Construction sites can be hazardous due to the presence of heavy machinery, sharp tools, and hazardous conditions. To protect employees from fatal falls, employers must take some steps. These steps include:
- Installing guardrails: Guardrails should be installed in any area where workers are working at a height of six feet or more. Guardrails should be firmly attached to the structure and regularly inspected for any signs of damage.
- Providing safety nets: Safety nets should be installed around the perimeter of the worksite to provide an additional layer of protection. Nets should be inspected regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
- Providing personal fall arrest systems: Personal fall arrest systems, such as harnesses and lanyards, should be provided to workers working at six feet or more to prevent falls. These systems should be regularly inspected for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
- Ensure a first aid kit is always available: In the event of a fall, employees must be given first aid treatment before the arrival of the medical team
Legal Requirements for the Construction Industry
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is in charge of establishing construction industry safety standards. These standards are intended to protect workers from injury or death as a result of falls from great heights. Employers are required by OSHA regulations to provide and maintain a safe working environment for their employees. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, and harnesses is provided. Employers must also put in place procedures to ensure that employees are properly trained in the use of safety equipment and are aware of the potential hazards of working at heights.
Employers must also provide each employee who works from an elevated platform with a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). A PFAS is a system of ropes, cables, and other components intended to keep workers from falling and to limit the distance a worker can fall in the event of an accident. Employers must also inspect and maintain the PFAS on a regular basis to ensure proper operation.
Understanding Your Rights in Falls From Height Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a fatal fall, it is critical that you understand your legal rights. Employers in New York are responsible for providing a safe work environment and taking steps to protect their employees from fatal falls. If an employer fails to provide adequate safety measures or train employees on fall protection, they may be held liable for an employee’s death or injury.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a fatal fall, it is critical that you seek legal counsel. Dervishi Law Group in New York can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the legal process.
What to Do Immediately Following a Fall from a Height
If an accident does occur, it is important to take immediate action to ensure that the injured person receives the medical attention they need.
- First, dial 911 for medical assistance. Before the paramedics arrive, seek assistance from nearby neighbors and passersby. If you’re in an isolated area, call anyone who can help or try shouting so people can hear you.
- Examine for any injuries. Examine the fallen victim to see if there are any visible injuries to any parts of the body. While you’re at it, pay attention to pain signals from the victim when you touch specific parts of the body, as these could indicate fractures or dislocations. Take note of these observations and inform the paramedics as soon as they arrive on the scene.
- Maintain their warmth and comfort until the paramedics arrive. You could use duvets, carpets, and any warm clothing you could find. Keep them away from anything wet or cold.
- Remain still – If possible, keep them still and avoid moving any part of the body. This will help reduce the amount of damage done to the body.
- Protect the head – If they’re able to move the head, protect it by holding it down with one hand and shielding it with the other.
- Remain calm – You must remain calm while quickly assessing the situation. This will help you make the best decisions for the victim’s safety and well-being. You can only be of reasonable help to the situation when you do not panic.
- Hydration – A fall from height accident can quickly lead to dehydration. While waiting for the medical team to arrive, you could provide the victim with a glass of room-temperature water and ensure he sips it gradually. Keep cold drinks away.
- Ensure the medics conduct proper tests and x-rays to ascertain if there are fractures in any part of the body.
- Try to stop bleeding, if any, to reduce the risk of deteriorating health conditions.
Evidence from the Scene
It is also critical to photograph the accident scene. This will assist in documenting the conditions that led to the accident, and the evidence can be used to support your case and assist you in receiving the compensation you deserve. It is also critical to obtain the contact information of any witnesses and to ensure that the employer documents the accident and provides the required paperwork.
Medical Implications of a Fatal Fall Accident
Falls from great heights can cause serious injury or even death. The most common injuries include:
-Broken bones
-Head trauma
-Spinal cord injuries
-Internal organ damage
-Lacerations
-Blunt chest trauma
-Neck injuries
In some cases, the injuries are permanent and result in a lifetime of disability. Falls from great heights can cause psychological trauma in addition to physical injuries. This can manifest as symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Injuries to the thoracic and lumbar spine
Falls from heights can result in injuries to the thoracic and lumbar spine.
- Injuries to the thoracic spine can include fractures, dislocations, and compression fractures.
- Lumbar spine injuries can include lower limb fractures, disc herniation, and nerve root compression.
The above injury patterns are to be handled with all seriousness, as they can result in long-term disability.
The Importance of Proper Medical Treatment
It is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible following a fall from a great height. This will help reduce the risk of further injury and ensure that the injury is treated properly. Depending on the pattern and severity of the injury, treatment may include pain medication, physical therapy, surgery, or other medical interventions.
Resources for Those Who Have Experienced a Falls From Height Accident
There are resources available to assist survivors of falls from great heights. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides construction workers with safety information and resources. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information and resources on avoiding falls from great heights.
The Importance of a Legal Consultation
It is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible following a fall from a great height. This will help reduce the risk of further injury and ensure that the injury is treated properly. Depending on the pattern and severity of the injury, treatment may include pain medication, physical therapy, surgery, or other medical interventions.
Why choose Dervishi Law Group
At Dervishi Law Group, we understand the complexities of falls from height cases.
We will fight for your rights and assist you in receiving the compensation you deserve. If you hire our lawyers at Dervishi Law Group, we will help you handle all the paperwork and file claims for your damages.
We provide professional legal services to all of our clients, and our attorneys are well-versed in workplace safety laws. Furthermore, until your case is resolved, we provide free legal consultation and services.
Call our attorneys directly now at (718) 484-4757 for a free consultation.
Or text our legal team at (917) 496-8342 for an immediate response. We are available 24/7.
