Slips, Trips, and Falls: The Most Preventable Workplace Injury You’re Still Paying For

Slips, trips, and falls remain one of the most common and costly causes of workplace injury across the United States. From manufacturing floors and warehouses to offices, healthcare facilities, and construction sites, these incidents continue to drive lost workdays, workers’ compensation claims, and long-term musculoskeletal injuries. What makes slips, trips, and falls especially frustrating for employers is this reality: most of them are preventable.

At Spine Solutions, we treat employees every day whose injuries began with what seemed like a minor misstep. Understanding the scope of the problem, how these injuries affect the body, and where prevention often breaks down is essential to reducing risk and controlling costs.

The Scope of the Problem: What the Data Shows

*Click into each stat for the original source.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, trips, and falls accounted for more than 479,000 non-fatal workplace injuries resulting in days away from work in the most recent reporting year. These incidents also caused 885 fatal work injuries nationwide, making them one of the leading causes of occupational injury and death.

The Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index reports that falls on the same level alone cost U.S. businesses approximately $10.5 billion per year in serious injury expenses, ranking them among the top causes of costly workplace injuries.

The National Safety Council estimates that workplace injuries cost U.S. employers $176.5 billion annually, factoring in medical expenses, lost wages, and productivity losses. Slips, trips, and falls consistently represent a major share of these claims.

In other words, this is not a niche safety issue. It is a widespread operational and financial risk.

Understanding the Difference Between Slips, Trips, and Falls

Although often grouped together, slips, trips, and falls occur for different reasons and stress the body in different ways.

Slips happen when there is insufficient traction between footwear and the walking surface. Wet floors, oil or grease, ice, loose mats, or highly polished surfaces are common contributors.

Trips occur when the foot strikes an object or uneven surface, disrupting balance. Typical causes include cluttered walkways, cords, uneven flooring, damaged stairs, and poor lighting.

Falls can result from either slips or trips, or from working at heights such as ladders, stairs, platforms, or elevated work areas. Falls frequently lead to more severe injuries due to the force and unpredictability of impact.

Each type of incident may look minor at first, but all can result in serious injury if not addressed promptly and properly.

Why Slips, Trips, and Falls Are More Serious Than They Appear

Many slip, trip, and fall injuries are initially underestimated. Employees may delay reporting because pain seems manageable or they believe it will resolve on its own. Unfortunately, delayed care often leads to longer recovery times and higher claim costs.

Common injuries include:

• Cervical and lumbar strains

• Disc herniations or exacerbation of pre-existing spinal conditions

• Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff strains or tears

• Knee ligament and meniscal injuries

• Wrist and hand fractures

• Hip contusions or fractures

• Ongoing balance or gait instability

  
  

Spinal injuries are especially concerning. Even low-impact falls can disrupt spinal mechanics, irritate nerves, and contribute to chronic pain if functional deficits are not addressed early.

The Hidden Costs Employers Often Miss

• Direct medical expenses represent only part of the true cost of slip, trip, and fall injuries.

• Lost workdays reduce productivity and strain remaining staff.

• Temporary duty restrictions can disrupt workflows.

• Overtime and replacement labor drive up operating costs. Over time, workers’ compensation premiums may increase as claims accumulate.

When injuries are not managed effectively, employees may experience prolonged recovery or re-injury, further extending claim duration and cost. Industry data consistently shows that falls rank among the most expensive workplace injuries when time away from work and long-term care are considered.

Common Risk Factors That Increase Fall Exposure

Many workplaces focus on obvious hazards but overlook everyday contributors to fall risk.

• Poor housekeeping remains one of the leading factors. Cluttered walkways, unsecured cords, and materials left in traffic areas create constant exposure.

• Inadequate footwear policies also increase risk, particularly in environments with slick, uneven, or changing surfaces.

• Fatigue, rushing, and understaffing contribute to inattention and missteps, especially during long shifts or peak demand periods.

• Environmental conditions such as poor lighting, uneven transitions between surfaces, weather exposure, and poorly maintained stairs or handrails often go unaddressed until an injury occurs.

• Finally, physical readiness matters. Employees returning from injury or prolonged inactivity may lack the strength, balance, or mobility required to perform their job safely. We can help with that!

  
  

What Effective Prevention Actually Looks Like

Environmental controls are foundational. Regular inspections, prompt spill cleanup, proper mat placement, adequate lighting, and consistent maintenance of stairs and walking surfaces reduce exposure.

Administrative controls reinforce safe behavior. Clear safety policies, employee training, reporting procedures, and appropriate footwear guidelines help reduce preventable incidents.

Equally important is ensuring employees are physically capable of meeting job demands. Functional assessments and early intervention can identify limitations before they result in injury.

How Spine Solutions Supports Recovery and Prevention

When a slip, trip, or fall does occur, early and appropriate care makes a measurable difference.

Our treatment focuses on restoring function, not just reducing symptoms. Our approach emphasizes accurate assessment, targeted rehabilitation, and clear communication with employers and claims teams.

We help organizations by:

• Reducing delays in evaluation and treatment

• Identifying functional limitations tied to job requirements

• Supporting safe and timely return-to-work decisions

• Addressing movement deficits that increase re-injury risk

• Improving outcomes while minimizing workplace disruption

  
  

By focusing on function and recovery, not just pain management, injured employees return to work stronger and more confident.

Prevention Is a Business Strategy

Slips, trips, and falls should never be viewed as unavoidable. They are predictable, preventable, and manageable with the right approach. Employers who invest in safer environments, employee readiness, and early intervention experience fewer injuries, faster recoveries, and lower overall costs.

If your organization is in or around the Albuquerque or Santa Fe area and you are looking to reduce workplace injuries and improve return-to-work outcomes, Spine Solutions is ready to help!

Contact us today to get the process started.

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