December Industry Highlight: Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention

December Industry Highlight: Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention

Most of us have experienced it – a brief distraction, whether pondering a personal issue or engrossed in an activity, resulting in a slip, trip, or fall. Whether stumbling down stairs, tripping on an uneven surface, or slipping on ice, these incidents can lead to anything from a minor bruise to a severe injury. Such occurrences are just one of several factors contributing to workplace slips, trips, and falls. To prevent slips, trips, and falls:

1. Maintaining good housekeeping is crucial, as safety and cleanliness are closely connected. Poor housekeeping habits in a facility can lead to more slips, trips, and falls.
2. Keep walking surfaces free of moisture. Use adhesive striping material or anti-skid paint when possible.
3. Keep parking lots and sidewalks in good condition. Those potholes and broken asphalt can be hard to see when the ground is wet.
4. Use moisture absorbent mats with beveled edges in entrance areas. This soaks up moisture without creating an additional hazard.
5. Conduct periodic inspections to include slip, trip and fall hazards. While you’re at it, check the fire extinguishers and make sure the emergency exits are clear.
6. Ensure proper illumination in all walkways, staircases, hallways, etc. Keep poorly lit areas free of clutter.
7. Require footwear with proper tread as a critical component of PPE. Having traction can avoid slips on slick surfaces. Make sure shoelaces are tied!

Being in a hurry, walking too fast, or running also contributes to slips, trips, and falls. It’s important to reduce the chances of injuries by keeping walkways clear and dry.

Read this story from a C3 client…

A meat packaging company had a ton of slips and falls because of constantly cleaning the floors. One employee slipped and fell backward hitting the back of his head. This caused a brain hemorrhage which resulted in emergency brain surgery and subsequent physical therapy to regain strength in the right side of his body. Since this incident, they’ve put rubber mats that allow water to drain in all areas where hoses are used to wash debris down the drain. They spent approximately $1,500 on mats to prevent another $450,000 claim.