Even seemingly minor falls can result in serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries. How your body falls to the ground, the type of surface you land on, how fast you were moving when you fell, etc., can all impact how seriously you are hurt, and the extent that you can recover.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration lists the following as some of the most common workplace fall injuries:
Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises
Cuts and punctures are, in fact, one of the top reasons for lost workdays. Infection is a risk, even with a simple abrasion. Scrapes and bruises often are downplayed, leading to underlying injuries going untreated. All injuries should be professionally assessed.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Sprains and strains involved stretched or torn ligaments, tendons, or muscles. These Soft-tissue injuries may be unnoticed initially. The back often is vulnerable to serious soft-tissue injuries which can be debilitating. Care for these injuries can range from painkillers and ice packs to surgeries and physical/occupational therapies.
Broken Bones
As people fall, they instinctively try to minimize the impact. As a result, hands, wrists, and elbows often are damaged. Hip and pelvic fractures are common, too, especially among older victims. Even simple breaks can result in long-term effects such as arthritis.
Head and Brain Injury
Severe blows to the head are common in falls and can yield traumatic brain injuries. A TBI can change your personality, disable you, or even be fatal. Recovery can take years, and full recovery may not be possible. Long-term care can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech or language therapy, and vocational therapy.
Neck, Back, and Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the top of the spinal column poses the most risk of full paralysis. In severe cases, treatment is long, painful, and quite costly. Recovery can entail multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation to recover some semblance of normal physical activity.
The most common body parts injured in falls are the knee, ankle and/or foot, wrist and/or elbow, back and/or shoulder, hip, and head.
