Between 2003 and 2015, some 386 workers reportedly died due to slip, trip, and fall accidents. There are also thousands of bodily injuries such as cuts, fractures, musculoskeletal injuries, and others that can be directly attributed to these hazards.
In workplaces, employers have what is called duty of care to ensure that safety precautions are in place to prevent such incidents from happening. Employers are likewise obligated to identify hazards and then find ways to reduce or eliminate them.
One way employers do this is by hiring a company with proven experience in staircases design and construction to ensure that workers won’t accidentally fall or trip while going up and down.
Whether at home or in the workplace, there are things that you can do to keep such accidents at bay or at least minimize the harm that they can do to building occupants.
Here are the five ways to prevent slip, trip, and fall accidents:
Mind your flooring
Many slip and fall accidents occur due to slippery tiles, carpets that are not fixed to the floor, and other similar hazards. Keep in mind that people constantly move around the home or workplace, so it makes sense to ensure that the floor is not an accident-magnet. You should use non-slip floor tiles for heavy foot traffic areas and firmly fix your carpets to the floor, so they won’t accidentally move and cause slippage.
Let there be light
A properly lit home or workspace can greatly minimize the possibility of a slip, trip, and fall. Make sure all the lights are working properly, are bright enough, and have switches that are easy to locate and open. You should use LED bulbs with a high wattage, as well as light switches that have a form of illumination so they can be easily seen in the dark.
Check your stairs
Stairs are among the places inside homes and workplaces where many slip and fall incidents occur. With this in mind, be sure to have a professionally designed and well-built staircase that has proper handrails, non-slip strips, and other features that minimize or prevent the likelihood of accidental slips and falls.
Eliminate all clutter and tripping hazards
There are many slip, trip, and fall accidents that are caused by books, loose power cords, tools, and other hazards that are cluttered on the floor. As such, you should strictly enforce a no-clutter rule inside and outside your home or workplace. Occupants must also be advised and trained to spot, avoid, and get rid of all slip, trip, and fall hazards that they may encounter.
Use proper footwear
In areas where workers perform manual labor on particularly hazardous surfaces, it’s critical to have them wear proper footwear to minimize the risk of accidental slip and fall. Care should be observed in choosing appropriate footwear for the specific type of floor to ensure that workers are protected against any slip and fall accident.
As they say, accidents do happen but many of them are actually preventable. With these five tips, you could create and maintain a safe environment at home or in your workplace.
