Slip, trip, and fall incidents are one of the most prevalent workplace accidents, often resulting in minor to severe injuries such as bruises, sprains, fractures, lacerations, and in worst cases, even fatalities. Implementing adequate safety measures along with awareness programs can drastically reduce these workplace hazards. When a slip and fall accident happens, make sure you contact slip and fall attorneys to make sure your business is protected or you get the compensation you deserve.
This article delves deep into the causes, preventive measures, regulations, and statistics about slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.
Understanding Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are distinct occurrences with different causes and preventive measures.
Slips
Slips take place when the friction between the footwear and the walking surface is not sufficient to hold the feet on the ground, causing a person to lose their balance. Slips are commonly caused by wet spills, freshly waxed floors, or loose mats.
Trips
Trips occur when a person’s foot contacts an object or steps down onto an uneven surface, causing a loss of balance. Common causes include cluttered walkways, uncovered cables, or uneven walkways.
Falls
Falls are incidents where a person stumbles and falls too far off their center balance. Falls can be classified into two types: falls at the same level and falls to a lower level. Falls are particularly dangerous in high-risk occupations like construction and can lead to serious injuries or even death. Every building manager should know how to prepare for confined space rescue as it could be fatal if not handled properly.
Statistics on Slips, Trips, and Falls
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes of workplace injuries. In 2021 alone, they accounted for around 850 fatal cases and over 211,640 non-fatal cases. Most of these incidents resulted from falls on the same level, particularly on floors, walkways, and ground surfaces. The construction industry accounted for a significant portion of these incidents.
Recognizing Common Causes and Risk Factors
Identifying the common causes and risk factors is the first step in mitigating slips, trips, and falls. These can vary from wet spills, cluttered walkways, and poor lighting, to unsafe ladder positions and lack of handrails. For instance, floors can become slippery due to wet spills or newly waxed surfaces. Loose, unanchored mats or rugs can also cause slips. Trips often result from clutter on the floor, obstructed views, or poor lighting.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: The Impact on Health
Slips, trips, and falls can result in multiple health issues ranging from minor to severe. These include sprains and strains, fractures and broken bones, contusions and bruises, head injuries, cuts and lacerations, back and spinal cord injuries, and neck injuries.
Regulatory Framework: OSHA Standards
The OSHA provides guidelines for safe working surfaces under the General Industry Walking-Working Surface standard. It outlines several points for safe working surfaces, including keeping workroom floors clean, orderly, and dry, maintaining a functional drainage system, ensuring the working surface can support the maximum intended load, and providing safe means of entering and exiting from walking surfaces.
Preventive Measures for Slips, Trips, and Falls
Good Housekeeping Practices
Good housekeeping is the first step towards a slip-free workspace. By keeping walkways clutter-free and ensuring that drawers and cabinets are closed when not in use, the risk of slips, trips, and falls can be significantly reduced.
Adequate Lighting
Ensuring that there is adequate lighting in all walking areas can help in preventing trips and falls. It is particularly important to have good lighting in access and egress points such as halls, ramps, stairs, and exits.
Use of Safety Signs
The use of safety signs and markers is crucial in preventing slips, trips, and falls. They alert people about potential hazards, making them aware of the risks and helping them navigate safely.
Prompt Cleaning of Spills
Spills are one of the most common fall hazards in the workplace. Immediate cleaning of spills can prevent this hazard, ensuring a safe walking surface for employees and customers.
Proper Footwear
In addition to keeping the floors clean, it’s also important to ensure that workers are equipped with the right footwear. Non-slip shoes with good traction can prevent slips and trips, protecting workers from potential hazards.
Maintain and Improve Floor Quality
Modifying the floor space can also help in preventing slips, trips, and falls. This involves inspecting floors for potential hazards, investing in resilient, non-slip flooring, and installing mats or abrasive-filled paint-on coatings.
Implementing Safety Plans and Protocols
Implementing safety plans and protocols can help in cementing all efforts towards fall protection. This includes conducting risk assessments, setting safety standards and practices, conducting regular inspections and maintenance checks, and specifying safety equipment requirements.
Keeping Your Workplace Safe with SafetyCulture
SafetyCulture is an all-in-one digital platform that can help streamline your fall protection efforts. It offers tools for managing fall safety inspections, providing OSHA safety and construction toolbox talks, and much more. By using SafetyCulture, you can effectively manage your workplace’s safety and prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Conclusion
Slips, trips, and falls are prevalent workplace hazards that can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. However, with adequate safety measures and awareness programs, these incidents can be significantly reduced. By understanding the causes, implementing preventive measures, and adhering to regulatory standards, workplaces can ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.
