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Slip and fall accidents are third largest cause of workplace injury in the United States. Every year slippery surfaces at work send more than 8.7 million people to the emergency room, and according to the U.S. Department of Labor an average slip and fall injury at work costs around $28,000. Because slip and fall accidents are too common, employees should be aware of strategies to reduce such incidents at work. In this post and the next we’ll offer five ways to reduce slip and fall accidents at work and even at home.
Many slip and fall accidents stem from walking surfaces that are well traveled such as sidewalks, showers, parking lots, and food preparation areas. To reduce the chance of accident use anti-skid adhesive tape on frequented surfaces indoors and anti-skid paint or adhesive striping material outdoors. In entrance areas moisture-absorbent mats with backing material that will prevent the mat from moving on the floor can reduce the spread of dirt and water to other floor spaces. Mats and area rugs can also reduce the chance of fall in food preparation areas.
Obstacles in walkways, entrances, stairwells and corridors often lead to trips and injuries, and while it may seem obvious to remove objects from such areas many routes to and from work areas remain cluttered. Therefore keep all work areas, storerooms and passageways orderly and clean. Often we feel pressure to hurry at work, but be sure to close drawers after use and coil cables, cords and air hoses after use. Perhaps most importantly, make sure stairs are kept free from objects and ensure stairs are in good repair.
In our next post we will continue to talk about strategies to reduce slip and fall accidents at work.
Source: Coast River Business Journal, “Five Tips to Help Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls at Work and at Home,” June 19, 2012