Safety Awareness: Slips, Trips and Falls
April 04, 2019
With slips, trips and falls ranking as one of the most common accidents in the workplace and home, prevention is important. These accidents account for about 15 percent of all accidental deaths per year and about 25 percent of all reported injury claims per fiscal year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. About 65 percent occur as a result of same-level falls, and more than 1 million individuals experience a slip, trip or fall injury every year. Slips, trips and falls can occur in the workplace for a multitude of reasons, including:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Poor lighting
- Obstacles on walkways
- Uneven surfaces
- Individual behavior
By taking the proper precautions, accidents like these can be prevented. The U.S. Department of Labor offers the following five tips for preventing slips, trips and falls:
- Establish Good Housekeeping Practices: Safety and good housekeeping go hand-in-hand. Poor housekeeping habits at a facility may result in a higher incidence of employee injuries, which will increase insurance costs and regulatory citations. Establishing proper housekeeping procedures as a part of the daily routine can assist with facilitating and maintaining a clean and safe workplace.
- Reduce Uneven, Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Hazardous walking surfaces account for a significant portion of injuries reported by employees. Keep parking lots and sidewalks clean and in good condition. Apply anti-skid paint and adhesive striping material when possible. Use moisture-absorbent mats with non-slip backing in entrance areas, and use proper mats or rugs for food preparation areas. Additionally, always display “wet floor” signs when necessary.
- Create and Maintain Proper Lighting: Use proper illumination in walkways, staircases, ramps, hallways, basements, construction areas, and dock areas. Always keep areas around light switches clear and accessible, and repair malfunctioning fixtures, switches and cords immediately.
- Wear Proper Shoes: Appropriate footwear can play a significant role in preventing falls. Employers should evaluate the job task and have employees wear the appropriate footwear for the job.
- Control Individual Behavior: Controlling individual behavior can be difficult. Sometimes, individuals become complacent and can become distracted. Rushing, failing to pay attention, using cell phones, or carrying something that obstructs vision are all factors in workplace accidents.
Slips, trips and falls cost employers approximately $40,000 per incident. On average, the employee misses work for 11 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Preventing slips, trips and fall-related accidents should be the ultimate goal. One way to ensure reducing these on-the-job accidents involves properly training all employees. For help with any training material, please visit the Safety Library provided to all of our members.