Slips, trips, and falls are major causes of workplace injuries. Statistics show that the majority (67%) of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. [1]
To prevent these incidents, it's crucial to implement comprehensive safety procedures and regulations focusing on hazard identification, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement.
Key areas to address include:
- Good housekeeping practices
- Flooring
- Footwear
- Safe walking practices
Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. [2]
Here's a breakdown of specific measures:
- Clean spills immediately: Address spills promptly to eliminate slippery surfaces.
- Mark wet areas: Use warning signs to indicate wet or slippery floors.
- Remove obstacles: Keep walkways clear of clutter, debris, and obstructions.
- Secure mats and rugs: Ensure mats, rugs, and carpets lay flat and are secured to prevent tripping hazards.
- Close drawers: Always close file cabinet or storage drawers to prevent tripping.
- Cover cables: Cover cables that cross walkways to eliminate tripping hazards.
- Maintain lighting: Keep working areas and walkways well lit, replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches promptly.
Changing or modifying walking surfaces is the next level of preventing slip and trips. [3]
- Recoat or replace floors: Use materials with appropriate traction for the environment.
- Install mats: Use mats in areas prone to wetness or spills.
- Install pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating and metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce the risk of falling.
- Resilient, non-slippery flooring prevents or reduces foot fatigue and contributes to slip-prevention measures.
In workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall incidents should focus on selecting proper footwear. [3]
- Select appropriate footwear: Choose footwear with adequate slip resistance for the specific work environment.
- Properly fitting footwear increases comfort and prevents fatigue which, in turn, improves safety for the employee.
You can reduce the risk of slipping on wet flooring by:
- taking your time and paying attention to where you are going
- adjusting your stride to a pace that is suitable for the walking surface and the tasks you are doing
- walking with the feet pointed slightly outward
- making wide turns at corners [3]
- Pay attention: Focus on your surroundings and potential hazards.
- Adjust your stride: Modify your walking pace based on the surface conditions.
- **Use installed light sources that provide sufficient light for your tasks
- making sure that things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing any obstructions, spills, etc.
Safety is everybody's duty, so workers as much as employers should:
- Be aware when walking through a parking lot - watch for cars as well as fall hazards.
- Never assume that the driver will see you first.
- Clean or report spills right away.
- Clear away clutter and debris, if they can. Wear appropriate footwear for the situation (e.g., non-slip footwear in the winter).
- Report hazardous conditions to their supervisors.
- Remain aware that falls can happen anywhere, anytime. [4]
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.