Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are a regular source of workplace injuries

Are we creating an environment for possible slips, trips or falls without even knowing it?

Have you ever:

• Run down a flight of stairs?
• Slips on snow or ice?
• Walked in the workplace while reading something, talking on a mobile phone?
• Worked in areas with water, ice on the floor?

Everyone can probably answer “yes” to at least one of the above.

Practical tips to prevent a slip, trip or fall

Weather:

• During and after inclement weather
• Be aware that mud and water are often tracked into the workplace.
• Proceed cautiously in these areas when entering or leaving the premises

Footwear:

• Wearing appropriate footwear, avoiding: high heels, smooth leather or vinyl soles, and open back or open toe shoes.

Stairs:

• Falling  down a flight of stairs can result in a serious injury.
• Use the handrails, avoid haste, and make sure there are no debris where you will step.
• Avoid using stairs while carrying something in both hands

Uneven Surfaces:

• Look out for curbs, potholes, small stones and  debris or obstacles when walking.
• Dawn, dusk and hours of darkness or poor lighting make uneven surfaces especially hazardous

Ladders:

• Use only properly rated ladders or other step devices.
• Do not use:
  • chairs, boxes, wastebaskets, or other makeshift devices as a substitute for a proper step ladder or step platform –

This is one of those known hazards where a person can “get away” with it for a long time but the odds will catch up eventually.

Moving Materials:

• Do not attempt to lift, move, or carry materials beyond physical ability.
• Walking, climbing, or turning while carrying something is much more stressful  to the body than simply lifting the same object.
• Avoid using stairs while carrying something in both hands
• Use a mechanical means, or ask for assistance

Housekeeping:

• Work areas should be orderly and walkways clear of material.
• Clean up spills and debris in the immediate work area.
• Report spills or other slip and trip  hazards

Being more observant and thinking ahead, you will avoid, most slips, trips and fall situations.

Tagged as: Public Liability