Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, trips, and falls are the second leading cause of nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses involving days away from work. Slips, trips, and falls are more than just inconvenient; these incidents can cause pain and suffering for employees and carry substantial costs and stress for businesses, including workers’ compensation claims, lost productivity, and potential fines. The good news, though, is that most of these incidents are preventable with a proactive approach to workplace safety.

Identify Common Hazards

Understanding how slips, trips, and falls happen can help your business prevent incidents. Some typical causes include:

• Slippery surfaces. Wet floors from spills, leaks, weather conditions (rain, ice, & snow tracked inside), or even cleaning procedures can create a slip hazard. Plus, grease, oils, and other contaminants can reduce traction.
• Trip hazards. Obstacles in walkways, uneven surfaces, trailing cables, and poor lighting all pose trip hazards. Similarly, clutter and objects left in walkways can lead to falls.
• Inadequate lighting. Poorly lit areas make it difficult to identify and avoid hazards.

Preventing Hazards

Preventing slips, trips, and falls requires a comprehensive and ongoing commitment from management and employees alike. Here are key strategies your business can implement.

Maintain Walking Surfaces:

• Keep walking surfaces clear and clean. Regularly clean floors using a proper cleaning agent; using an incompatible product with your floor can leave residue, making the floor slippery. Keep aisles and exits free of obstructions.
• Develop and implement procedures for quickly identifying, containing, and cleaning up spills using absorbent materials. This is particularly important in areas with wet processes, such as dishwashing, where drainage should be maintained and dry standing places like mats or platforms provided.
• Maintain flooring. Regularly inspect and maintain all walking surfaces, repairing or replacing worn, ripped, or damaged flooring promptly. Ensure all floor surfaces are free of hazards such as sharp objects, loose boards, and holes. Select flooring materials that are appropriate for anticipated conditions, such as anti-slip flooring.
• Place slip-resistant mats at building entrances to minimize the amount of water and debris tracked indoors.

Address Other Hazards:

• Ensure all work areas, especially walkways and stairwells, are adequately lit. Good lighting helps employees and patrons spot and avoid hazards.
• Consider installing mirrors or placing warning signs at corners or blind spots to improve visibility.
• Where liquids might drip or leak, install drip pans, guards, or other containment measures.
• Keep stairs well-maintained, free of obstructions, and equipped with secure handrails.

Train Employees:

• Educate employees about the dangers of slips, trips, and falls, how to identify hazards, and how to prevent accidents.
• Encourage employees to report any identified slip or trip hazards to supervisors to address the issue.
• Recommend appropriate, slip-resistant footwear.
• Remind employees to stay mindful of their surroundings and avoid distractions, especially when approaching corners or changes in walking surfaces.
• Clearly outline housekeeping best practices to ensure workplaces stay dry and tidy.

Inspect the Workplace Regularly:

• Schedule regular walkthroughs and inspections to identify and address any potential slip, trip, and fall hazard. Check floors, stairs, ramps, and pathways.
• Maintain records of inspections, identified hazards, and corrective actions taken. This can help your business track its progress and demonstrate compliance with safety regulations.
• Regularly review the effectiveness of the steps taken to prevent slips, trips, and falls and adjust procedures as needed.

Promoting a Safer Work Environment

By taking a proactive, comprehensive approach to preventing slips, trips, and falls, your business can create a safer and healthier work environment for employees and guests alike, while also protecting your bottom line from the financial costs associated with these incidents. Remember that compliance with OSHA standards, regular inspections, prompt repairs, and a commitment to good housekeeping are not just regulatory requirements but also sound business practices that contribute to a safer, more efficient, and ultimately more successful operation!