Workplace injuries are not exactly new. No matter how careful you are, accidents may happen anywhere or anytime. However, that does not mean you cannot reduce the chance drastically. Taking some proper precautions and following strict regulations in keeping the workplace safe is the only way to prevent accidents.
Something as simple as putting up a board near a wet floor will help warn people looking to walk through it, which will, in turn, prevent someone from tripping over and breaking an arm. Additionally, personal caution and awareness must be taken to notice any hazardous elements in the workspace.
Having a danger-free work atmosphere is essential for a productive experience. Otherwise, the employees would focus more on the negatives rather than the work at hand. And if an accident should occur due to authority’s mismanagement, lawsuits are usually not far behind.
That being said, here are a few tips on how to prevent slips, trips, falls in the workplace that should be practiced by every company or organization.
Ten Tips on How to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls in The Workplace
To help ensure you have a safe work environment, we have compiled a list of ten tips on how to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace
1. Clean Walking Surface
No matter where you work, the floor should be clean of any hazardous objects. One of the most likely causes of accidents is rogue objects lying on the floor. Simply make sure that the floor is free of any clutters, and you will be already on your way to making your workplace safer for everyone.
2. Stairways and Handrails
If you work in a multi-storied building, it will definitely have a stairway. Even if there is an elevator, a stairway is important in case of an emergency. And it is also a likely culprit of falls that occur in the workplace. Make sure the stairs are well lit, the path is clear, and there are no loose objects around it.
Furthermore, you should make sure that the stairs have handrails in them for support. Even if you fall, having a handrail allows you to catch yourself before any major accidents. The stairs should always be dry and free of any carpets or rags. Otherwise, it might cause you to trip, leading to disastrous situations.
3. Cable Management
Every functional office requires at least an active internet connection, telephone, and power cords for the computers. Some companies need even more components to be wired on each desk. If the power outlets are not in an easily accessible location for each desk, you would have to drag wires all over the floor.
Having wires running throughout the workspace is not at all helpful when you want to prevent accidents. Loose wires around the floor can result in people tripping and falling at any time. So, you need to make sure that the power cords and all other cables are managed well and kept away from the path.
4. Proper Footwear
The employees must wear proper footwear depending on the work condition. If you are a contractor and working at a construction site, you need to wear steel toe leather boots. Or if you are a businessman, you should wear the appropriate shoe that is required by your organization.
You need to remember that lack of friction is what causes you to slip in the first place. Wearing the right shoes will ensure that you have a strong footing on the ground and will not slip randomly. It is essential for every employee to abide by this rule to prevent any mishaps in the workplace.
5. Proper Lighting
The chances of someone falling or tripping is higher if the lighting condition of the room is poor. Any office or workspace needs to be well-lit in order for it to be safe for the workers or employees. It will help with vision and allow the employees to maneuver safely around the workplace.
In the dark, it is likely that someone bumps against tables or other elements even when it is out of his way. Make sure that the workspace has proper lightings installed, or portable LED work lights, whether it is spotlights or simple ceiling lights. That way, the risk of someone falling is drastically reduced.
6. Use signs
Signs allow people to be more aware of their surroundings or any potential hazards in the workplace. If a floor needs cleaning, put up a sign, and people will automatically avoid passing through it. Even if walking through cannot be avoided, they will, at least, tread more carefully not to fall over.
Another way to increase awareness is by using reflective tapes. Wrapping a few rounds of tapes in the hazardous area will surely reduce the risk of any potential injuries. If people still manage to hurt themselves, then it is no one’s fault but theirs alone.
7. Check the conditions of the floor
You need to regularly check the conditions of the floors and see if they are stable and firm. A routine maintenance every few months will help you make sure that the workspace is in top condition. Make sure you check both above and below the floor so that there are no signs of wearing.
8. Using rugs on slippery surfaces
Another effective method of preventing slips in the workspace is by using non-skid rugs. Bathrooms, for instance, are a prime candidate for placing a few rugs. Since the surfaces of a bathroom are usually tiled or hardwood, it is highly susceptible to slips and falls.
9. Clean up spills
It is natural to spill a few drinks here and there when working. However, if it happens, you should deal with it immediately rather than leave it for later. Some liquids can even seep into the floor and cause permanent damage if not taken care of soon.
10. Step stools
Having a few step stools around the office will help employees reach heights without any problem. For example, if you want to change a simple lightbulb, having a step stool will give you a stable surface. Using a chair, in this case, is not advisable since you have a risk of falling off.
Final Thoughts
It really does not take much to prevent workplace injuries and accidents. As long as you are aware of the things you need to do, you can eliminate the risk by a large margin.
We hope you found our article on how to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace helpful in making your work environment safer.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
