How Organizations Can Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls (STFs) are a common cause for injuries at the workplace. More than 1,400 incidents of slips, trips and falls are reported to the Health and Safety Authority each year. 24% of the total cases reported required the injured person to miss work for a month (HSA, 2016). Absenteeism leads to lost productivity, which can add up to significant costs for a business (Investopedia, 2013). Organizations should take efforts to increase employee safety and reduce the number of injuries caused due to slips, trips and falls. According to the Health and Safety Authority, there are certain areas in a workplace that pose a high risk for STFs. These areas are mentioned below along with what organizations can do to reduce these risks:

Stairs and Steps

Many STFs occur while ascending or descending steps. To prevent such injuries organizations should instruct employees not to use their phones or read documents while using the stairs. Safety treads should be placed on stairs. These treads are generally bright in colour so that they will catch the attention of employees while they are using the stairs. Steps should generally be cleaned when the premises are closed. This will prevent employees from using them while they are wet and slippery.

Transition Areas

STFs are common in transition areas like entrances. When it rains or snows these areas become wet. This can make them slippery and hazardous. Organizations should install weatherproof outdoor rubber matting to provide increased traction. Increasing the ambient lighting during night time can make it easier for employees to spot liquids in these areas. Employees may bring moisture and water inside the work premises during rainy weather. This can increase the chances of STFs inside the office. Door mats outdoor should be installed so that employees can shake the water off their footwear before entering.A coat area and an umbrella stand should also be provided near the entrance so that water left on the umbrellas and coats is not taken inside.

Sources of Liquid

Organizations should focus on areas that are sources of liquid. Examples of such areas would be places where equipment that uses water is kept, washing up areas, toilets or places where plants are kept. Proper safety matting should be installed in all such areas. Organizations should also make a map of their premises which indicates the areas where STFs occur. This map should be shared with all employees and placed in a common area. Organizations can purchase indoor and outdoor safety mats from AJ Products.