Slips and falls are some of the biggest causes of injuries in the workplace, as well as at home. It can be so easy to lose your footing, even when you’re not doing anything particularly hazardous. It can be difficult to completely avoid slips and falls, but there are lots of things that can be done to prevent them. Whether you’re an employee or someone who’s responsible for maintaining safety in the workplace, you can do your part to help prevent accidents from happening. Here are a few of the steps you can take to protect yourself and your colleagues.
Ensure Spills Are Cleaned Up Quickly
One of the major causes of slips and falls is wet floors and spillages. Even a small spill can be a danger, especially if someone is wearing shoes without much grip. Any spillages need to be cleaned up as soon as possible, whether someone has dropped their coffee or people have come in from outside and dripped rainwater across the lobby. If you notice a wet floor or any spillages, it’s important to report them right away (or clean it up yourself if possible). Of course, any hazardous materials need to be handled safely.
Watch Where You’re Going
It might seem obvious, but if you want to avoid slipping or falling at work, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that you should be paying attention to where you’re walking or standing. You might be distracted by something else or maybe walking a familiar path that turns out to have some unexpected hazard in your way. Stay aware of your surroundings when you’re walking so you always know what’s in front of you. As well as paying attention to the floor in front of you, be careful of any steps or inclines/declines. Watch out for low ceilings too.
Wear the Right Footwear
The right footwear is often important when preventing slips and falls. Some footwear just doesn’t give you the stability you need, especially on certain surfaces. A good pair of work boots will not only improve your grip but will also protect your feet while you’re working too. You should consider what footwear is suitable for the environment you’re working in, as well as the tasks you’re performing. It may be your employer’s responsibility to provide the right footwear so that you’re protected while working.
Report Any Hazards
If you notice any hazards that could cause a slip or fall, be sure to report them as soon as you can. This could include anything from a spillage to a crack in the floor that could present a tripping hazard. If you’re worried that there’s an immediate danger, try to get someone else to help you. One of you can remain where you are, which can help to identify the hazard, while someone else reports it or perhaps fetches a sign to warn others.
You can prevent slips and falls at work by taking some smart steps. A few precautions can prevent some serious accidents.
