Slips, trips and falls are all too common in the modern workplace. The Health and Safety Executive has stated that they are "the single most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces", and that's not a not difficult claim to believe; not only can the fall itself result in severe injuries, it can lead to even more serious accidents if, for example, the victim falls into a piece of machinery or another hazard.
Here are some more statistics from the HSE:
- In 2013/14, slips, trips and falls were to blame for 29% of fatal workplace injuries
- Slips, trips and falls were responsible for 57% of all major/specified injuries to workers in 2013/14
- Over this period, a total of roughly 1.5 million working days were lost due to slips, trips and falls.
(Note that the phrase 'slips, trips and falls' covers a variety of different incidents, ranging from slipping on a wet floor or tripping over a loose floorboard to falling from height.)
So how can I prevent slips, trips and falls in my workplace?
We're glad you asked! With so many UK workers getting injured (or worse) by slips, trips and falls, employers need to everything they can to minimise the risk of a serious accident occurring. Here are some things that you can do to protect your employees:
- Use the correct hazard warning signs to make people aware of any potential risks (such as slippery surfaces, sudden drops, or trip hazards)
- Keep an eye out for any obstacles that could cause someone to trip over; common examples include bins, furniture, cables/wires, and desk drawers that have been left open
- Clean up any spills ASAP to prevent slips
- Always use a wet floor sign when cleaning is in progress
- If your employees are working at height, ensure that they are using the correct fall prevention equipment
- Train your staff to work safely and avoid slips, trips and falls (for example, do your employees know how to safely use a ladder?)
Visit our Slips, Trips & Falls department for more information and to purchase fall prevention signs for your workplace.
