How To Prevent Slips Trips And Falls In The Workplace – Slips, trips and falls (also known as “stumbles and stumbles”) are the most common non-occupational work injuries. Every year, nearly half a million workers experience one of these accidents in the workplace. These hazards can be eliminated or reduced with appropriate safety measures. Keeping your employees safe should be a priority for any business owner.
However, it is easier said than done. Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common injuries reported in the workplace because they are preventable if you take the right steps to safeguard your workers from these hazards.
In this article, we will explore how slips, tripping and falls occur in the workplace along with tips on how to prevent them. You will learn about OSHA standards related to slips, trips and fall safety in general industry and construction sites as well
What is a Slip, Trip and Fall?
A slip is when a person loses his or her footing on a surface that is either wet or has an oily or smooth surface. A trip is when a person’s feet or legs are caught or tangled in an item on the floor or they are not able to step over something that is on the floor. A fall is when a person’s knees, hips, or torso are forced to the floor by the person’s own body weight.
Slips, trips, and falls can occur anywhere, but certain industries have higher rates of these incidents compared to others. Most of these accidents occur in the food service, healthcare, construction, and retail industries as well as in warehouses, factories, and offices.
Slips
Slips are usually caused by a person’s feet or shoes becoming wet or a smooth surface such as tile being wet, oily or dusty. This can cause a person’s feet to slide out from under them. If you work in a restaurant or bakery, for example, the floor may be wet from spilled food or drink.
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This is a hazard that can be avoided by taking proper precautions. You should wear slip-resistant shoes, use proper floor mats to catch spilled food or drinks and use a vacuum. You should also make sure your employees are wearing shoes that have non-slip soles.
Trips
A trip is caused by an item being on the floor, such as a piece of paper or a box, that is not easily stepped over. This can also be caused by uneven floor surfaces. You can help prevent trips by keeping the areas where you work clean and clear of clutter. Make sure that any flooring is level and not uneven. If you use boxes, make sure they are stacked neatly and are the appropriate size for the area.
If a hazard cannot be avoided and you have done everything you can to keep it from happening, you should be prepared for the worst. In other words, you should have a plan for what to do if a slip, trip, or fall accident occurs. For example, if someone trips over a box, they could fall and hit their head on the ground. You can prevent this from becoming more serious by having a slip-resistant mat on the floor.
You can also make sure that whoever is handling the box knows that it’s there. A good solution for this is to put a Post-It Note on the box with an arrow pointing to the ground. This will let people know that there is something they need to step over.
Why Are Slips, Trips, And Falls Such A Problem In The Workplace?
Slips, trips, and falls can happen to anyone, but certain occupations have a higher rate of these accidents. Certain industries have higher rates of these accidents compared to others. Most of these accidents occur in the food service, healthcare, construction, and retail industries as well as in warehouses, factories, and offices.
The main factors that contribute to workplace hazards include the following:
People: The employees on the job might not be aware of their surroundings or might be in a rush. This can make them more likely to trip or slip.
Weather: The weather can be a major factor in workplace safety. Rain and puddles, snow and ice can make surfaces slick and increase the risk of someone slipping.
Improper footwear: Shoes that are too slippery or that don’t offer enough support can be dangerous.
Poor maintenance: Cracked or uneven flooring, leaky or clogged pipes or broken equipment can lead to falls. What To Do When Someone Slips, Trips, Or Falls In The Workplace Slips and trips happen very quickly and can be dangerous, especially if someone falls.
If someone falls and is injured, it’s important to call for medical help immediately.
READ: List Of Reasons For Leave Of Absence From Work
Follow the standard first aid procedures for a person who has fallen and injured themselves. First, check the person’s pulse and make sure that they are breathing. Then, stay with them and keep them calm until help arrives. Finding ways to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace can be challenging, but it’s worth it. Preventing these accidents can save lives and reduce medical costs.
How To Prevent Slips Trips And Falls In The Workplace
The best way to prevent slips, trips, and falls is to be vigilant in your daily work habits. While this may seem overwhelming and like too much to remember, there are some basic steps that you can take to protect yourself and your employees from these hazards.
Here are some tips to help you reduce the chance that your employees will suffer a slip, trip, or fall while at work:
– Make sure the area where you work is clean and free of clutter. If you have to use boxes, make sure they are stacked neatly and are the appropriate size for the area.
– Keep floors free of debris. Make sure that mud and puddles are cleaned up quickly and that the floor is dry. If you work on a wet surface, make sure to wear non-slip shoes.
– Wear the proper footwear for the job. If your job requires you to work on a slick surface, make sure to wear non-slip shoes. If you have to walk on a wet surface, rubber boots may be a better option.
– Know when to take a break. Take short breaks if you are working on a slippery surface and take frequent breaks if you are working on a wet surface.
– Stay alert and watch your surroundings.
OSHA Standards For Slip, Trip And Fall Hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established some standards related to slip, trip, and fall hazards in the workplace.
– Slip-resistant surfaces must be maintained.
– When wet conditions are expected, appropriate flooring must be used.
– Loose materials must be removed.
– Unfixed cracks must be repaired.
– Unfixed holes must be plugged.
– Broken glass must be removed. – Hazards must be eliminated.
– A warning sign must be put up if there is a serious risk of a fall.
– A sign must be put up if there is a minor risk of a fall.
Conclusion
Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common types of non-occupational injuries. These hazards can be avoided by taking the proper precautions. To prevent slips, trips, and falls, you can keep the work area clean and free of clutter, use slip-resistant surfaces, provide appropriate footwear, and provide regular first aid training to your employees. By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your employees from these hazards.
