Slips and trips are the most common cause of injury at work. On average, they cause 40% of all reported major injuries and can also lead to other types of serious accidents, for example, accidents with machinery, scalding accidents and falls from height.
Therefore, it is crucial for both employers and employees to take proactive measures to reduce these accidents. In this blog article, we will discuss some effective strategies for minimising slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.
1. Keep the workspace clean and tidy
One of the main causes of slips and trips is cluttered work areas. Regularly declutter and organise workspaces, keeping walkways clear at all times. Encourage employees to promptly clean up any spills, wet surfaces or debris to eliminate potential hazards.
Top Tip: It can be a good idea to nominate a ‘H&S Champion’ within the workplace, so they can help to keep this front-of-mind with their colleagues.
2. Provide appropriate signage
Ensure that all areas prone to slips and trips are adequately marked with warning signs. Wet floors, stairs and uneven surfaces should be clearly marked to increase awareness of potential risks. Clear signage helps employees stay cautious and avoid accidents.
3. Regular maintenance
Conduct regular inspections of your workplace to identify and address any potential hazards. Repair loose floorboards, uneven carpeting, or loose handrails promptly.
It’s important to ensure employees know who to contact if they need to report a concern, so make this clear and visible within the workplace.
4. Promote safety awareness and training
Make workplace safety a priority by providing proper training to all employees. Teach them about proper posture, walking techniques, and how to identify and report potential hazards. Hold regular safety meetings to reinforce safety procedures and cultivate an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting any safety concerns.
Top Tip: Make this as engaging as possible. You don’t want your employees switching off before the training has started! Check out our 30 minute online learning course as an introduction to slips and trips within the workplace.
5. Think footwear!
Ensure that your workplace is equipped with appropriate safety gear, such as non-slip mats, handrails, and high visibility signage. Also ensure employees have access to proper footwear with slip-resistant soles to minimise slip-related accidents.
6. Adequate lighting
Proper lighting is crucial in preventing accidents. Ensure all work areas, especially stairs and hallways, are well-lit to eliminate any shadows or blind spots that could contribute to accidents.
Reducing slips, trips, and falls in the workplace requires a collective effort from both employers and employees. By implementing these tried-and-tested strategies, workplaces can create a safer environment where employees feel comfortable and accidents are minimised.
If you’d like to learn more about managing Slips & Trips within the workplace, sign up for our 30-minute ‘Slips & Trips’ course: https://ontaptraining.co.uk/CourseInfo.aspx?ID=7#learning_outcomes