Stairs. A wet floor. Something in our path. An uneven surface. Chances are good each one of us has found ourselves stumbling or slipping on one of these, resulting in a fall. Maybe a slight bump or bruise was the result, or possibly a more severe outcome.
Slips and falls are one of the leading causes of workers’ comp claims, increasing the possibility of injuries and potentially time loss. Employers need to examine the workplace and ensure employees are safe from slips, trips, and falls by providing hazard awareness training and following these six guidelines for creating a safer work environment:
- Create and maintain good housekeeping practices. A noticeably clean, organized work environment will not only help prevent slips, trips, and falls, but is generally a good indication of an effective safety program.
- Reduce wet of slippery surfaces by installing anti-slip flooring/mats to provide added traction in areas known to cause issues.
- Avoid creating obstacles in walkways and aisles. Keeping foot-traffic areas clear of cords, cables, and hoses is critical to avoiding employee incidents.
- Create and maintain proper lighting. If employees can’t see where they’re walking, chances are good they might trip over something left on the floor.
- Require employees to wear proper shoes. Slip-resistant shoes are one of the most important pieces of PPE that can be required. Kitchens and bathrooms are major areas of concern and the type of shoes being worn can be a key factor in preventing slips.
- Control individual behavior. Encourage employees to maintain awareness of their surroundings and to keep their focus on what they are doing. It only takes a moment to lose sight of the environment and a fall can result.
Join us on Thursday April 15th at 10:00 AM for a webinar where the National Floor Safety Institute will speak to many of the same issues and provide some easy ways employers can begin reducing slips, trips and falls in their workplace.
Register for the webinar, Solving Your Slip and Fall Problems in 5 Easy Steps
We also encourage you to join us on Tuesday, April 20 at 11:15 AM, where global keynote speaker Bill Sims will be presenting on leadership and continually driving safety improvements in the workplace.
Register for a fantastic and incredibly informative webinar with ERNwest and Bill Sims, Beyond Zero Injuries
View all our available training: https://www.ernwest.com/training/
Download our 2021 “Focus on Safety” Webinar Calendar