Slips, trips, and falls also known as STFs, are some of the leading causes of injury in the workplace. In the United States, nearly 50,000 people are injured and almost 600 more are killed in fall-related incidents at work. These injuries result in lost productivity, pain & suffering, lawsuits, and increase healthcare and insurance costs. To help reduce your risk of STFs on the job, follow these safety tips:
Inside the Workplace:
- Keep hallways and corridors clear of obstacles and clutter
- Never place any objects in front of emergency exits, especially furniture
- Install handrails on both sides of all stairwells
- Keep cords, wiring, and cables clear of walkways
- Perform routine inspections to identify any dangerous conditions, repair any hazards immediately, and record the details of any incidents that take place
- Place wet floor signs on wet surfaces (entryways after snowstorms, freshly mopped floors, spill areas, etc.)
- Remove debris and objects such as loose papers, books, boxes, etc. from floors, walkways, and stairs
- Use non-skid rubber mats to keep rugs from slipping
- Do not place furniture within walking routes
- Use child safety gates at the tops and bottoms of staircases to prevent children from falling down the stairs
Ladders:
- Only use ladders on a solid, dry, and even surface
- Always face the ladder when climbing up or down
- Maintain three points of contact at all times (e.g.: Two feet, one hand/one foot, two hands)
- Never lean or over reach over the sides of the ladder – reposition the ladder if necessary
- Use tool belts – do not climb with tools in hand
- Do not use ladders outside in windy or rainy conditions
- Do not use chairs, tables, cabinets, etc. as ladders
- Keep in mind the weight limit and use duty for each ladder
Outdoor Spaces:
- Repair cracked or split walking surfaces immediately
- Make sure parking lots, walkways, and doorways are adequately lit
- Point downspouts away from walking surfaces
- Keep walkways/driveways/parking lots clear of snow and ice
- Clearly mark steps, gaps, ledges, and other hazards
- Ensure all steps have handrails, and all ledges have railings
Taking these steps can help reduce or prevent slips, trips, and falls from occurring at your workplace and reduce the chances of injuries and costly lawsuits.
“Slips, Trips and Falls. ” National Safety Council. National Safety Council, 2016. Web. 27 Feb. 2017.
