Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace
Slips, trips, and falls are leading causes of workplace accidents and can result in back injuries, strains, sprains, contusions, and fractures. Furthermore, falling from even a short distance can have fatal consequences. The good news is that many of these accidents can be avoided. Here are ten tips to help you prevent slips, trips, and falls at your business:
- Clean up floors and working surfaces promptly when they become wet, and provide warning signs for wet or slippery floors.
- Tape or anchor to the floor any electrical cords that must cross aisles.
- Make sure that aisles and passageways are sufficiently wide for easy movement, and that they are kept clear at all times.
- Require the use of slip-resistant footwear.
- Provide good lighting for all halls, stairwells, ramps, and ladders — especially during night hours.
- Make sure stairs have proper handrails, that treads and risers are maintained, and that treads have a slip-resistant surface.
- Instruct workers to use the handrail on stairs, both to help them avoid undue speed and to maintain an unobstructed view of the stairs ahead of them — even if that means requesting help to manage a bulky load.
- Make sure that floor drains, pits, and other floor openings are covered or protected with guardrails.
- Use only properly maintained ladders with uniformly spaced rungs and nonslip safety feet to reach items. Do not use stools, chairs, or boxes as substitutes for ladders.
- Train employees how to inspect ladders and use them safely.
For even more tips on preventing workplace slips, trips, and falls, view our prevention guidebook and loss control bulletin (PDF). Additional employee safety resources can be found by visiting the Loss Control page on our Western National Insurance Group website.
