A common workplace injury here in Mississippi is falls. Injuries related to falls at construction sites, from roofs, and other elevated workplaces are very common, and they tend to involve more significant injuries because of the heights involved. These types of construct injuries are almost entirely preventable if an employer supplies an adequate fall harness and employees are trained how to use the harness appropriately. I stress the second point regarding training because a fall harness can actually cause injuries if it is not worn and used appropriately. Unfortunately, some employers do not take this simple step, which can result in serious injury and death. If you have been injured in a workplace accident, one thing is critical to know—you will need to have experienced counsel help you attain your fair share of compensation for your loss of income and injury. Barrett Law has the experience to help you if you have been injured in a workplace fall or harness related injury.  Contact us now at (601) 790-1505.

A Fall Brings Many Risks

Imagine you are working as a roofer and are wearing an appropriate fall harness.  If you lose your footing and fall, you will likely tumble off the roof and then will be suspended by the harness and line it is attached to once the fall harness catches you. While this may seem like a good outcome, different types of injuries can result from even the short fall you took, and the harness itself can begin to cause injuries while you are suspended. So while you did not hit the ground, you may be injured from trauma caused by the side of the building, strangulation, or by the pressure caused by an ill-fitting harness. If you are working alone, hanging in the harness awaiting rescue can also result in a number of medical problems.

Factors in Fall Harness Injuries

Harness Fit—A properly fitted harness has to do several things. It must initially catch your fall and support you while you are suspended, but should not cut off blood flow.  Serious injuries and death can result from a harness that cuts off blood flow while a person is suspended or that suspend the person in a manner that causes further injury, such as strangulation. This also highlights why being suspended for too long comes with its own dangers.

Time Suspended—The longer you are suspended, the greater the chance that you will suffer immediate and long-term injury. Heart attack, stroke, heat exhaustion, and hypothermia are all immediate threats, while concussions, crushed veins and arteries, and many others may not manifest until much later.

Immobility—If your fall renders you unconscious, you will be unable to protect yourself from trauma caused by either spinning and hitting a hard object or from air or blood flow being cut off.

Health—If you are in poor health due to weight, smoking, or other preexisting conditions, your fall injuries may be exacerbated. The stress and trauma of a fall can trigger a heart attack; because you are suspended, providing you with appropriate care is difficult.

Age—Your body’s ability to “bounce back” from a fall and related trauma decreases as you age. Your harness is more likely to cause damage to your body—particularly veins and arteries—as you age.

Dehydration, Air Temperature, and Energy Level—You are less likely to be able to protect yourself in a fall situation in extreme cold and heat, as your body is using more energy to do a normal amount of work. These challenges are compounded when you are dehydrated or exhausted. Inadequate work breaks and availability of water can have serious consequences for workers at risk for falls.

What Should You Do If You Suffered an Injury at Work?

If you suffer a fall injury at work, document it. Many employers have policies requiring the documentation of a workplace injury.  You should also seek medical attention, as a doctor can provide clear documentation that an injury occurred and its potential causes.  Let experienced counsel take care of preserving medical records, attaining expert diagnoses, and dealing with your employer’s insurance company. These are important tasks that a worker’s comp attorney can handle for you.

Call Barrett Law now, an experienced Mississippi personal injury law firm, to represent you if you have suffered a fall harness injury.

Barrett Law has the experience to take on your employer, defense attorneys and insurance companies that are focused on denying your compensation for the injury you experienced.  Contact us now at (601) 790-1505.