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Slip-resistant shoes may prevent hospital worker falls

On Behalf of | Dec 13, 2019 | Firm News |

Anyone in Nebraska may slip and fall almost anywhere. However, people who work in health care facilities may be at particular risk for these types of accidents. 

According to Relias Media, researchers have noted that in hospitals, fall risks are high, and it is not just medical professionals who are at risk of a slip or trip and fall. In fact, food service workers in hospitals have the highest rates of fall injuries, then parking, valet and transport workers, followed by emergency medical service workers. Custodial and housekeeping workers also have a high rate of falls in hospitals. 

The largest percentage of fall injuries in one study involving acute care hospitals was due to liquid contamination on the floors, including the following: 

  • Water 
  • Bodily fluids 
  • Cleaning fluids and floor wax 
  • Grease 
  • Slick or slippery surfaces 

Due to the success of slip-resistant footwear in other industries for preventing fall accidents, some studies have been done on the benefits of slip-resistant footwear in hospital settings. However, cost may be a factor in whether workers choose effective footwear. In one study, workers in the intervention group could obtain slip-resistant footwear for free, while workers in the control group had to pay for their own shoes. Only 20% of those in the control group obtained the footwear that had more effective slip resistance, while 94% of those in the intervention group chose to wear the safer shoes. 

Whether or not it would be more cost-effective for employers to offer slip-resistant footwear to employees at no cost or at a reduced cost would depend on many factors. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal agencies continue to gather statistics and seek solutions to fall-related accidents in the workplace. 

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