Slips, Trips and Falls In The Workplace
What is the greatest danger you face in your working day? Where do the dangers lie? Where is there an accident waiting to happen to you?
If you’re a factory hand operating heavy machinery, or a chemist handling dangerous materials, or a fire fighter entering burning buildings, then the dangers are obvious and adequate training is given as a matter of course. The hazards of working in an office may be less obvious, but are still there and proper training still needs to be given. For the majority of us some of the most serious dangers lie in wait for us as we walk across the office!
Statistics show that most accidents in the workplace are the result of slips, trips and falls. The “major injury” statistics held by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that each year around half of all major injuries to employees are caused by slipping, tripping and falling. Last year the figure rose to 57%, with 43 fatalities. The HSE statistics also show that the rate of injury increases steadily as we get older.
There are two keys things to bear in mind if you are to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. First, one must be aware of one’s environment and the potential dangers. Second, one must take personal responsibility. Once on top of these two, prevention is an almost automatic outcome. A workplace accident is usually caused by something which could have easily been avoided. .
It’s not rocket science. Good training is clear and simple . The causes of slips, trips and falls are highlighted and explained in such a way that the information is retained. The most important message in the training should be that personal responsibility is taken for all hazards – not only those you create yourself, but also those you find. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Section 7 – General duties of employees at work says “It shall be the duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work”
Now that we know the key points, what should slips, trips and falls training practically involve?
The most improtant requirement is that it covers good housekeeping. This covers a range of responsibilities. One in three major slips, trips and falls are the result of wet surfaces, so clean up any fluids that are dropped or spilt and ensure surfaces are dried thoroughly after cleaning. Clear warning signs should be put in place until this is done. Keep walkways clear, especially stairs and entrances. All areas should be well-lit, so that any potential hazards can be seen. Ensure floors and floor coverings are not a trip hazard. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 when talking about the conditions of floors state that (2a) “.the floor shall have no hole or slope or be uneven or slippery so as to expose any person to a risk to his health and safety; and (3) every floor in a workplace shall be kept free from obstructions and from any article or substance which may cause a person to slip, trip or fall”
The time was that a paper cut was the greatest risk posed by office equipment. Times have changed and the digital revolution has wrought many wonders. But it has also brought new dangers, as cables litter the floors and walls of so many workplaces. Precautions should be taken in order to ensure people do not slip, trip or fall on them. So-called “raceways” can be used to cover up and secure cables to the floor, reducing trip hazards. Many modern office desks are fitted with grommets through which cables can be passed, so they’re not left hanging down the back of desks.
Personal factors also influence the likelihood of such accidents. Tiredness, feeling unwell, hurrying, complacency, distraction are all common causes. How many people walk and text at the same time? How many simply mop up some spilt fluids with a tissue and leave the desk smeared with a film of hazardous liquid? How many idly swing back and forth on their swivel chair when bored? These are all slips, trips and falls waiting to happen!
Particularly dangerous areas include stairways, with the potential to fall much further and harder. The HSE statistics show that almost as many people suffered injuries at work in 2009/2010 falling down stairs, as falling from a height (e.g. scaffolding, platforms, ladders). So this is an area where special attention should be paid to both good housekeeping and personal factors.
Safety in the work place should be an ongoing concern. Conduct regular checks for potentially unsafe situations. Reassess employees on a regular basis and recommend additional training where appropriate. If the worst does come to the worst anda slip, trip or fall does occur, then it is important you respond quickly and appropriately, collecting the facts and using the knowledge gained to stop it happening again.
Too many serious accidents are happening when they shouldn’t be. In the majority of cases they are caused by inattentiveness and individual carelessness. Helping to protect yourself and your colleagues from slips, trips and falls is really very simple and usually costs nothing but a little increased consideration.
We hope you found this article on accidents in the workplace useful. Please do visit our website. The author was Sarah Cushenan who works at the Interactive Health and Safety Company (iHasco).
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