Trips and falls are one of the most common workplace accidents. Such accidents can lead to serious injuries and lawsuits. Fortunately, most of these accidents are preventable. Below are just some of the steps you can take to prevent trips and falls in your workplace.
Fix uneven flooring
Dents in flooring, uneven stairs or protruding thresholds can all serve as trip hazards. Take steps to fix any uneven flooring in your workplace – especially areas of flooring that you’ve already had customers or employees stumble over. If you can’t afford to fix damaged floors, consider covering up the damage with rugs or mats.
Install railings and barriers
Any raised areas that people can fall from need to be protected by railing or barriers. There are companies that specialise in commercial railings, offering all kinds of shapes and styles. Choose railings that provide protection while matching the aesthetics of your workplace.
Clean up spillages
Spillages should be mopped up immediately to prevent people slipping on them. Factories and kitchens are some of the common workplaces where spillages occur. When dealing with liquids like oil, make sure that you have a mop with a grease-absorbing head.
Warn people with signage
It’s possible to warn people of potential trip and fall hazards using signs. Wet floor signs should always be used when mopping floors. Make sure to also warn people of surprise steps or slopes by adding fixed signs to nearby walls or directly on the floor.
Keep walkways clutter-free
Clutter is a common trip hazard. Avoid leaving boxes and crates in corridors or on staircases – move them out of the way to a cupboard or get rid of them if they are empty. Tools and cleaning equipment should also be tidied away when not in use. Encourage employees to keep your workplace clutter-free to not only keep it presentable but make it a safer environment.
Use adequate lighting
Trips and falls can sometimes be the result of inadequate lighting. Make sure that cellars and store cupboards are well lit so that people can see where they’re stepping. It’s particularly important that staircases and ramps are well-lit. When working at night, you may need to invest in extra lighting so that everyone can see where they’re going. Flashlights and headlamps are useful for working outside at night.
Choose non-slip rugs
Non-slip rugs have a special underlay that can stop them from moving on a hard floor. Choose these types of rugs to prevent them slipping and potentially causing injuries. Another option is to glue rugs directly to the floor. Get rid of rugs that are damaged.
Tidy cables away
Finally, it’s important to consider cable management. Cables that are left trailing across walkways or stairs can be a major hazard. Get into the habit of trailing cables along the side of walkways. If you have to trail a cable over a walkway, consider covering it up with a rug or cable protection ramp. Permanent cables can be fastened to walls using wall clips or cable runners.
