Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries making up 37% of all accidents and resulting in approximately 50 deaths a year.
There are many precautions that can be put into place to prevent the chances of slips, trip and falls around the workplace which is typically caused by uneven floor surfaces, trailing cables and poor lighting.
Clearly marking wet floors
If you or your cleaner has just mopped up the floor or there has been a leak leaving the floor wet and slippery, it’s your responsibility to clearly communicate this hazard to your employees and anyone who may be walking in and out of the premises.
Set up one or two Wet Floor Signs around the area so that pedestrians are aware of the slipping hazard and will proceed with caution or avoid the area altogether.
Good housekeeping
Keeping a tidy workplace isn’t just about making it look presentable and a nicer space to work in, but it also plays an important role in reducing the risk of a slip, trip or fall. Loose cables and wires, boxes and bags, and even rubbish, are major trip hazards so they should tucked away – such as under desks or put in bins – and out of walk-through areas.
Building maintenance
As part of you regularly carrying out risk assessments, you should also check that the building is all in working order.
Leaks could result in slippery floors, loose handrails could create a falling hazard and uneven floor surfaces will cause someone to trip up, so make sure every part of the building is checked for areas that may need maintenance.
Footwear
Your employees have certain duties too when it comes to avoiding a trip or slip at work. Encourage them to wear the appropriate footwear in and around the workplace such as flat shoes and hard soles where possible.
This can mentioned in the employee handbook or communicated through posters around the workplace.
Replace burnt out bulbs immediately
This does fall under building maintenance; however, it is such a commonly forgotten hazard that it deserves it’s own section.
If a bulb burns out in the workplace it must be replaced immediately as poor lighting severely increases the chance of an accident – for obvious reasons.
Slips, Trips and Falls Training
Training is always one of the best options when it comes to making a workplace safer.
We provide first class online training for slips, trips and falls which covers potential hazards, how to reduce the risk, health implications and employee responsibilities. The course also provides users with a slips, trips and falls certificate upon successful completion.
