October 31, 2024

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

By Safety Team

Implement effective strategies to prevent slips, trips, and falls - the leading cause of workplace injuries. Learn to identify hazards, maintain safe walkways, address weather conditions, and develop proactive safety habits.

workplace-hazards

How to Prevent Common Workplace Slips, Trips, and Falls?

Preventing slips, trips, and falls involves identifying and eliminating hazards that can cause these common workplace accidents. It's about creating a safe environment by staying proactive and attentive to potential risks.

Top 5 Prevention Strategies for Workplace Falls

1. Slips Prevention

  • Address wet or slippery surfaces immediately
  • Use non-slip mats or coatings
  • Wear footwear with good traction

2. Trips Prevention

  • Keep walkways clear of obstacles
  • Secure loose cables or cords
  • Ensure adequate lighting in all areas

3. Falls Prevention

  • Install guardrails on elevated platforms
  • Use stable ladders and fall protection gear
  • Avoid cluttered or unstable surfaces

4. Weather-Related Hazards

  • Apply salt or sand on icy surfaces
  • Use "Wet Floor" signs during rainy conditions
  • Modify operations during extreme weather when necessary

5. Maintenance Practices

  • Repair uneven walking surfaces promptly
  • Replace burnt-out lights immediately
  • Conduct regular workplace inspections

How to Build Your Fall Prevention Mindset

  1. Stay Observant

    • Regularly scan your workspace for hazards
    • Report issues like spills or clutter immediately

  2. Adopt Good Habits

    • Clean as you go to maintain clear pathways
    • Use handrails on stairs and platforms

  3. Educate Others

    • Share prevention tips with colleagues
    • Encourage a team approach to hazard spotting

What Are the Most Overlooked Falling Hazards?

  1. Transitional Areas: Doorways or thresholds between different floor types
  2. Subtle Height Changes: Small steps or slight elevation changes
  3. Phone Distractions: Walking while using mobile devices
  4. Hurrying: Rushing between tasks or locations
  5. Poor Lighting: Areas with shadows or insufficient illumination

Discussion Points

  1. What slip, trip, or fall hazards do you see most often in our workplace?
  2. How can we work together to reduce these risks?
  3. Share a time when you avoided an incident—what did you do?

Action Steps

  • Check your work area for hazards today
  • Suggest one improvement to prevent slips, trips, or falls
  • Wear appropriate footwear tomorrow
  • Discuss findings with your team
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