How to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls in The Workplace Health and safety is a priority for employers. Your employees have the right to feel safe from
slips, trips and falls when on your premises. It is your duty to eliminate hazards and harmful materials which could cause harm to staff. An accident by a slip, trip or fall will cause pain to the injured party, as well as possibly costing your business money. Avoid excessive staff sickness by installing the correct health and safety procedures, equipment and signs to ensure you are complying with the law.
Most slips occur because of spillages or wet flooring, and most can be avoided with proper housekeeping. 95% of major slips result in one or more broken bones, yet it is simple and cheap to carry out the necessary controls to avoid slips. Nearly all slips, trips and falls can be avoided by having an appropriately designed workplace, maintaining it to the highest standards, wearing sensible footwear, training staff and supervising them during their work. The most common causes of slips are usually wet surfaces.
Both staff and customers need to be warned of wet floorings with warning signs, and spillages and water should be cleaned up as quickly and effectively as possible. Employees should also be encouraged to wear the correct footwear whilst onsite. If your foot strikes an object and you lose balance, this is the definition of a fall. These are often caused by obtruding objects and so it is important to keep access ways clear from obstructions. Trip hazards can occur indoors and out so no matter what your work premises consists of there are hazards to look out for.
If, for instance, you work in a builder’s yard or warehouse, you may want to check for loose pavement slabs, broken handrails and report them or fix them as soon as possible. If your work receives parcels which are bound with strapping make sure you supply your workplace with the correct refuse facilities to dispose of such items. Falls are usually accidents which occur from a height such as down the stairs or off a ladder. If you work in an office make sure you discourage staff from using chairs as ladders to reach high objects.
When faced with potentially dangerous situations you should assess the risk involved and use common sense. Employers have the power to avoid
slips, trips and falls and other accidents in the workplace. To avoid slips, trips and falls you can consider the layout of your premises, the lighting and flooring used, consider how you would cope with weather, spills and drainage, supply the right machinery and equipment and provide staff training and signage.
There are many areas of law covering health and safety in the workplace, and it is your responsibility as an employer to ensure these are met. There are many disciplinary actions which can take place if you do not prevent slips, trips and falls in the workplace which will destroy even the largest of companies. Checking your policies, procedures and staff training must be done regularly to maintain a safe workplace.