SLIPS TRIPS AND FALLS - WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Top 6 causes of same level slip and fall injuries in the workplace and how to avoid them.
Happy Friday! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, slips, trips and falls constitute the majority of general industry mishaps. This particular category of incidents causes 15 percent of all accidental deaths and is second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.
Slips, trips and falls are among the most frequent type of reported injuries and have so far averaged approximately 25 percent of reported claims yearly. Many of these claims could have been prevented.
Here are the top 6 reasons people suffer injuries from slip and fall accidents while on the job and how to avoid them:
1) Housekeeping:
Workplaces must be kept clean, orderly, and sanitary. Workroom floors must be maintained as clean and dry as possible. Proper housekeeping should be an ongoing practice that is everyone’s responsibility.
2) Wet or Slippery Surfaces:
Slips and trips can happen anywhere but are most frequently reported as occurring in parking lots; walkways (or lack of); food preparation areas and floors in general.
Outdoors - Keep areas, such as parking lots and walkways, clean and in good repair. S
Indoors – Use anti-skid adhesive tape in areas that could cause slips; Place moisture absorbent floor mats in entrance areas but be careful that the mats themselves don’t become a tripping hazard; Display wet floor signs as an additional caution to attract attention to the wet area but be sure that the hazard is cleaned up quickly.
3) Obstacles in Walkways:
Not only is it an unsafe practice to store or stack materials in hallways and corridors, causing potential for slips trips and falls, it is also fuel in the event of a fire. Always insist on good housekeeping in all work areas, passageways, storerooms and service areas. Make sure that cords and lines are not in the way of pedestrian traffic; Encourage safe work practices such as closing file cabinet drawers and pick up loose items from the floor; Maintain constant vigilance for slip and trip hazards through inspections.
4) Lighting:
Inadequate lighting can hide obstacles and slippery areas from view causing accidents to happen. Maintain proper lighting at all time – especially in walkways, staircases, hallways and basements.
5) Footwear:
Whenever a fall-related injury is investigated, the footwear needs to be evaluated to see if it contributed to the incident. When employees are exposed to hazardous environments that could cause foot injuries, or where there is a danger of falling or electrical hazards or objects piercing the sole, employees are required to wear protective footwear. Shoes with slip-resistant soles can help avoid injuries.
6) Individual Behavior:
Studies show that people don’t generally have a disregard for safety regulations and procedures but they do frequently have brief moments of inattention that can cause an accident. These brief moments are often caused by boredom, daydreaming, and repetitive work. To help avoid the pitfalls of inattention, encourage your employees to take micro-breaks by standing, flexing or stretching to stimulate the mind and body. Emphasize the consequences of inattention to the workforce.
Have a safe weekend and be sure to come back on Monday.
Take these steps today to help protect your employees from preventable injuries. Your employees and your business will benefit.
SHEBS has a nationwide network of expert EHS professionals who can provide the services and training you need to properly protect your employees and prevent injuries.
Have a Safe Day!
