Slips, trips, and falls – Minimising risks in the workplace.

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace accidents, leading to injuries, lost productivity, and potential legal liabilities. As a responsible employer, it is crucial to prioritise the safety and well-being of your employees by implementing effective measures to manage and prevent these incidents. This guide provides insight and advice on how to create a safe working environment and reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.

Conduct a thorough risk assessment:

Start by identifying potential hazards in the workplace. Walk through the entire workplace and assess areas where slips, trips, and falls are more likely to occur. Consider factors such as uneven surfaces, wet floors, inadequate lighting, and cluttered walkways. By understanding the specific risks, you can take action and tailor your safety measures to address them effectively.

Implement proper signage and communication:

Clearly communicate potential hazards to employees through strategically placed signage. Use symbols and language that are easily understood, and ensure that signs are visible in all relevant areas. Additionally, regularly communicate safety guidelines and updates to all staff members through meetings, emails, or training sessions.

Maintain clean and organised workspaces:

A clutter-free and well-organised workplace significantly reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Encourage employees to keep their work areas tidy and promptly address any spills or debris. Establish a routine cleaning schedule for common areas and high-traffic zones, and ensure that cleaning supplies are readily available. Safety needs to be a joint effort, it’s important to create a safety culture that employees buy into.

Choose slip-resistant flooring:

Select flooring materials that provide adequate traction, especially in areas prone to spills or wet conditions. Mats with slip-resistant backing can be placed in entryways, kitchens, and other areas where moisture is prevalent. Regularly inspect and maintain flooring to address any wear and tear promptly.

Install proper lighting:

Inadequate lighting contributes to accidents by impacting visibility or obscuring potential hazards. Ensure that all areas of the workplace are well-lit, especially stairwells, hallways, and storage rooms. Regularly replace bulbs or fixtures and consider motion-activated lighting in areas with varying levels of foot traffic.

Provide appropriate footwear:

Encourage employees to wear appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles. Depending on the nature of the work, consider providing employees with personal protective equipment, including non-slip shoes, to mitigate the risk of slips and falls.

Establish and enforce safety protocols:

Develop and enforce comprehensive safety protocols that address slips, trips, and falls. Include guidelines for reporting and addressing hazards, conducting regular safety inspections, and training employees on proper safety procedures. Regularly review and update these protocols to adapt to changes in the workplace environment.

Educate and train employees:

Regularly train employees on the importance of workplace safety and how to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Provide clear instructions on how to use safety equipment, report hazards, and navigate common workplace areas safely. Consider conducting periodic refresher courses to reinforce these principles.

How can oneSAFE help?

Prioritising the prevention of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace is not only a legal responsibility but also a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. By conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing preventive measures, and educating employees on safety protocols, companies can significantly reduce the occurrence of these accidents, fostering a culture of well-being and accountability.

oneSAFE provides businesses with a library of templated Health & Safety documentation as well as a platform to store key documents, track risks, report on accidents and set reminders for reviews and training refreshers.

To discuss your Health & Safety needs or to learn more about how oneSAFE can support the safety of your people, contact the team today:

Email: contact@onehrsoftware.com

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