We’ve all heard the phrase “what goes up must come down,” but what if the thing that is coming down is a person, so, someone at the workplace who just took a fall from a height? In the unfortunate event that you witness such an incident, it’s important to know what to do next.
In this article, we’ll discuss what to do if you witness a fall from height incident in the workplace, from calling for help to understanding legal rights.
1. Call for emergency medical services immediately
If you witness a fall from height incident in the workplace, it is important to call for emergency medical services (EMS) immediately. This is because falls from heights can cause serious injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, and internal bleeding, and may require immediate medical attention.
When you call for EMS, be sure to provide the dispatcher with the location of the incident, the number of injured persons, and any other relevant details, such as the nature of the injuries and the condition of the person(s) involved. Stay on the line until the dispatcher advises you to hang up, and be prepared to answer any questions or provide additional information as needed.
Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to treating injuries from falls, so don’t delay in calling for help. By acting quickly and getting the injured person(s) the medical attention they need, you can help ensure the best possible outcome.
2. If the injured person is conscious, try to keep them calm and still
If the person who fell is conscious, it’s important to try to keep them calm and still while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. This can help prevent further injury and make the person more comfortable.
If the person is in pain, you can offer reassurance by talking to them in a calm and comforting voice. Try to keep them still by encouraging them to lie down or sit still, and make sure they don’t move any injured body parts unless it’s absolutely necessary.
If the person is able to communicate, ask them if they are in pain or need any assistance. If they are experiencing severe pain or are having difficulty breathing, it’s important to let the emergency medical services know when you call for help.
Remember that even if the person seems to be alert and responsive, they may have sustained serious injuries from the fall, so it’s important to avoid unnecessary movement and keep them as comfortable as possible until help arrives.
3. Do not move the injured person unless it is necessary for their safety
It’s important to avoid moving an injured person unless it is necessary for their safety. Moving an injured person can cause further injury or pain, especially if they have sustained a fall from a height at work.
If the person is in immediate danger, such as if they have fallen onto a busy road or are in danger of being hit by machinery, you may need to move them to safety. In this case, try to move them as gently as possible and avoid any unnecessary twisting or bending of the body.
However, if the person is not in immediate danger, it’s best to keep them in the position they are in and wait for emergency medical services to arrive. Moving an injured person can exacerbate any injuries they have sustained, and it can be difficult to know the extent of their injuries without proper medical evaluation.
If you must move the person, do so with caution and keep them as stable and supported as possible. If they are conscious and able to assist, try to have them assist in the movement to avoid any sudden movements or jolts.
Remember, the safety and well-being of the injured person should be your top priority, so avoid moving them unless it is absolutely necessary.
4. If the person is unconscious, make sure their airway is open and monitor their breathing
If the person who fell is unconscious, it’s important to check their airway and breathing immediately. A fall from height can cause serious injuries, including head injuries, that can result in unconsciousness.
To check the person’s airway, tilt their head back gently and lift their chin slightly. This should help to open their airway and allow them to breathe more easily. If there is any obstruction in the airway, such as vomit or blood, try to clear it out using a clean cloth or tissue.
Once the person’s airway is clear, it’s important to monitor their breathing. Check to see if their chest is rising and falling with each breath, and listen for any sounds of breathing. If the person is not breathing, begin CPR immediately and continue until emergency medical services arrive.
If the person is breathing, place them in the recovery position, which is lying on their side with their head tilted back slightly. This can help to prevent them from choking or aspirating on any fluids that may be present in the mouth or throat.
Remember that an unconscious person who has fallen from height may have sustained serious injuries, so it’s important to stay with them and monitor their breathing until emergency medical services arrive.
5. Preserve the scene and do not tamper with any evidence until emergency responders arrive.
When someone falls from a height in the workplace, it is crucial to preserve the scene and not tamper with any evidence until emergency responders arrive. This is important for a few reasons.
First, preserving the scene can help emergency responders and investigators to gather accurate information about the incident. This can include information about the location of the fall, the condition of the person who fell, and any equipment or objects that may have been involved. By preserving the scene, investigators can more accurately determine what happened and take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Second, tampering with evidence can compromise the investigation and potentially hinder the ability of emergency responders to provide the necessary medical care to the injured person. This includes moving objects or equipment that may have contributed to the fall.. These actions can potentially cause more harm to the injured person, and can also make it more difficult for investigators to determine what happened.
Finally, preserving the scene and not tampering with evidence can help protect the safety of others in the workplace. By maintaining the integrity of the scene, potential hazards or safety issues can be identified and addressed, helping to prevent future incidents.
In short, preserving the scene and not tampering with any evidence is critical following a fall from height incident in the workplace. This can help investigators to accurately determine what happened, provide necessary medical care to the injured person, and take steps to prevent future incidents.
6. Cooperate with the investigation and provide a detailed account of the incident
Following a fall from height incident in the workplace, an investigation will typically be conducted to determine the cause of the incident and identify any safety hazards that may have contributed to the fall. It’s important to cooperate with the investigation and provide a detailed account of the incident to help ensure that safety improvements are made and future incidents are prevented.
If you witnessed the incident, you may be asked to provide a statement or answer questions about what you saw. It’s important to be truthful and accurate in your account of the incident and to provide as much detail as possible.
Some things you may be asked to describe include the location of the incident, what the person was doing before they fell, any equipment or machinery involved, and any safety measures in place at the time of the incident. You may also be asked to describe any hazards or safety concerns you observed in the area where the incident occurred.
Remember that the goal of the investigation is to identify ways to prevent future incidents and improve safety in the workplace. By providing a detailed and honest account of the incident, you can help ensure that appropriate safety measures are put in place to protect yourself and your colleagues.
What to Do if You Suffered a Fall From Height in the Workplace
If you have suffered a fall from height in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It is essential that you report the incident to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible to create a record of the incident.
It is also important to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the fall as soon as possible. Even if you feel that your injuries are minor, it is still important to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure that you do not have any hidden or underlying injuries.
The next step is to consult with a personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. They can also provide guidance on what types of compensation you may be entitled to, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Remember that seeking compensation for a fall from height in the workplace can be a complex and challenging process. It’s important to seek the advice and guidance of a qualified personal injury lawyer to help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation that you’re entitled to.