Every year, over 30,000 minor and 11,000
major injuries are caused by slips and
trips in the workplace. The costs of a
fall call be massive, the Health and
Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that on
average each workplace fall costs the
business £25,000; yet many businesses
still do nothing to prevent them.
A
workplace fall has many potential costs,
including; lost employee time, damage to
business property/assets, increased
insurance costs, damaged reputation,
damaged employee morale, legal liability
and compensation costs. Happily most
slips and falls are easy and cheap to
prevent.
Here are some of the most common
hazards, along with ways of dealing with
them recommended by the HSE:
Spillage of Wet and Dry Substances
– Clean spills up immediately, using any
necessary cleaning products if needed.
After cleaning, dry the floor if
possible; use appropriate barriers to
direct people around the wet floor.
Trailing Cables
– Position the equipment to avoid cables
crossing the route of pedestrians or
other employees. If you cannot avoid
this, use cable covers to fix to
surfaces and restrict access or warn
people where possible. If you use tools
regularly, consider using cordless
models. Remember that contractors will
also need to be managed.
Rubbish
– Keep areas clear of rubbish; remove it
quickly to prevent it building up.
Lighting
– Make sure that all areas have
sufficient lighting, especially those
with scattered objects, steps, smooth
floors or other hazards.
Slippery Surfaces
– Avoid getting slippery surfaces wet.
If the floor can be considered dangerous
you should replace it or provide
non-slip footwear for your employees.
This will cost far less than an injury
compensation claim.
Steps and Slopes
– Try to avoid these where possible. Use
high visibility lighting and floor
markings (E.g.: White or reflective
edges to steps or along slope) to help
guide people. Providing a handrail will
prevent many falls, and help to minimise
the damage caused when they do occur.
Remember that under the Health and
Safety at Work Act 1974 you are required
to ensure the health and safety of all
employees; as well as those who may be
affected by their work. This includes
dealing with and actively trying to
prevent slipping hazards.
The best way to prevent slips is to
assess the hazards and risks in your
workplace, and take action to minimize
them before an incident occurs.
Get more information on preventing slips
and falls from the HSE here.
