Don’t Slip Up - Safety Topic

 

Slips and falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries. 

What do experts recommend as the single most important step to take in preventing slips and falls? 

Simple...keep floors clean, dry, and free of obstruction. When it comes to safeguards against slips and falls, nothing is more important than good housekeeping.

When you walk through a work area, look for spills, grease spots or dust (flour and machine byproducts can be highly slippery). Water spilled by drinking fountains or tracked in on wet or snowy days can create a major hazard. Look around and be aware of wet areas or objects on the floor. Then take the time to do something about it. Clean up the hazard or place cones or hazard signs nearby, warning of the danger. People can walk on extremely slippery surfaces by modifying their speed and stride, provided they know about the dangerous condition. It’s the lack of warning that can cause problems. An unexpected shift from a smooth to a slick surface heightens the likelihood of a slip or fall.

A Slip…A Trip…A Hospital Trip

Slips, trips and falls are a serious safety concern in the workplace, taking over 700 lives and inflicting over 300,000 serious injuries every year. Don’t become a statistic…The most common kinds of accidents at work are slips, trips and falls. Be safe and look before you leap.

Look for signs of flooring change. Changes in lighting and floor color can conceal a change in friction or angle between adjacent surfaces. Wherever possible, waxes and polishes should cover an entire area, extending to natural breaks in flooring. Choose footwear according to floor surface. Consider slips and falls when you’re doing a job. Some tasks, such as pushing loads, may require special attention to slip-resistant floor surfaces or carefully selected sole material and treads. For some jobs, better lighting or a stable brace is helpful. Carefully placed and mounted hand rails, poles or hip bars may help operators brace themselves. This reduces reliance on foot/floor friction, which thereby reduces the potential for slipping.

Slips can occur because of how you walk on a surface. Some simple things you can do to minimize your chance of slipping and falling would be to wear appropriate footwear; watch where you’re going; take slow, short steps where slip potential is high; and use hand holds where possible.

Think safe - work safe - live safe

Think safely in everything you do 

Safety First

Don't Fall Down On Safety - Safety Topic

 

A fall might not seem like the most serious kind of accident. Often, it is not. However, did you know the number one workplace killer is slips and falls? 

Here are some ways to prevent this common but sometimes deadly kind of accident:

• Conduct regular safety inspections of your work area to identify and remove slipping and tripping hazards.

• Keep your work area and traffic areas free of tripping hazards such as stored materials, scrap, cables, cords and unnecessary equipment or tools. Tool boxes are common tripping hazards, so keep them out of the way.

• Close drawers and cabinet doors to prevent someone from falling over them.

• Promptly clean up all spills. Rainwater in a doorway, coffee on a hall floor and oil leaking from machinery are all common slipping hazards. Help keep the floors dry in lunchrooms and washrooms, too.

• Watch where you are going. Don't try to walk while reading something or carrying an object you can't see over.

• Don't walk backwards. Many tripping accidents occur when a person backs up and trips over something.

• Take your time; don't run or rush. It is especially important to slow down on wet floors, icy pavement and sloped surfaces.

• Wear footwear that helps you to stay on your feet. Shoes should be well-fitting with low heels. Soles should be made of a non-slip material for most work situations. Footwear with treads or cleats may be called for in some jobs.

• Make sure the lighting is good in your work and traffic areas. Many accidents involving falls occur in dark storerooms and dim hallways.

• Have your vision checked regularly and change your prescription eyewear as required. 

Check your work area and your work habits frequently to make sure you are doing all you can to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Think safe - work safe - live safe

Think safely in everything you do 

Safety First