How to prevent Slip Trips and Falls at work

Slips Trips and Falls at work are the most common cause of major injuries in the workplace and can happen almost anywhere.

Before we look into the key causes to keep an eye out for in your workplace here are some key statistics on how they can impact a persons health:

- 95% of major slips result in broken bones and they can also be the initial cause for a range of other types of accident such as a fall from height.

- 20% of over-3-day injuries to employees.

- 2 fatalities per year. 

To look into what causes these injuries we need to understand the difference between the three terms.

What is classed as a Slip?

Slips are the result of too little friction or a lack of traction between the footwear and the floor surface, such as a wet surface or icy footpath.

What is classed as a Trip?

A trip is the result of a foot striking or colliding with an object, which causes a loss in balance, and usually a fall. such as an uneven surface or a loose mat.

What is a classed as a Fall?

An act or instance of falling or dropping from a higher to a lower place or position, such as falling off a ladder.

Statistics also show nearly 20,000 workers sustain a fall-related injury in any given year. Some of these falls occur on the same level, whereas others occur on an elevated surface. Regardless, workers can sustain an injury if they fall.

Understanding the seven most common causes will enable you to create a safer working environment for both you and your fellow workers.

Here are 7 common examples of Fall-Related Injuries in the Workplace. Remember that these can be caused by Slips, Trips or Falls. Can you work out which term is applicable to each?

1) Uneven Floors

Uneven floors are a common cause of fall-related injuries. When floors are uneven, workers may inevitably trip while walking on them. Uneven floors are typically angled, and even at a slight angle, they pose a serious fall hazard for workers.

2) Loose Cords

Loose cords often contribute to fall-related injuries. Many workplaces have electrical cords to which machines, equipment and other devices are connected. If the cords are strewn across a walking path, workers may not see them. In turn, workers may trip and fall over the loose cords.

3) Wet Floors

Another common cause of fall-related injuries is wet floors. Whether it's from water, oil or other liquids, floors can become wet. If not cleaned in a timely manner, workers may slip and fall while walking on the wet floors.

4) Insufficient Lighting

You might be surprised to learn that insufficient lighting can cause fall-related injuries. Workers need lighting to see where they are walking. Your workplace probably has some lighting in it. If there's an area with insufficient lighting, though, it may increase the risk of fall-related injuries.

5) Obstructions

Obstructions can cause workers to fall and injure themselves. Walking paths need to be clear and free of obstructions. If there's an obstruction that's blocking a walking path, workers may trip and fall while attempting to walk over it. Common obstructions in the workplace include boxes, tools and shipping containers.

6) Rugs

Rugs are a contributing factor for fall-related injuries in the workplace. The problem with rugs is that they tend to bunch up. Assuming a rug is flat on the floor, it shouldn't be a concern. If the rug is bunched up, however, it will create a tripping hazard.

7) Wrong Footwear

Finally, the wrong footwear can cause fall-related injuries. Many workplaces have naturally slippery floors. With the wrong footwear, workers may fail to create traction with these slippery floors. In cases such as this, non-slip footwear is required to protect against fall-related injuries.

Conclusion

Slip, Trips and Falls can cause serious harm, injuries and even fatalities within the workplace and are to be treated seriously by both employees and the employer. As with most things in Health and Safety these injuries are often preventable and hazards can be identified before it is to late.

The simplest way to do this is to prove adequate training to all staff to raise awareness through your company.

When you or one of your team then identify risks you can put measures in place to remove or mitigate the risk of an occurrence.

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