Slips and Trips
Slips and trips can happen on slippery surfaces, due to spills, trailing cables, poor housekeeping and uneven surfaces. Other factors such as poor lighting or poor layout can also increase the risk. Solutions are usually simple and low cost.
Importance.
Slips and trips might not sound like a major problem, but they are the most common cause of injury at work accounting for over a third of all major injuries.
Regulations.
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 places duties on all persons at work, including employees. Everyone must do there bit to create a safe working environment and accident free workplace. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require hazards to be identified and risks to be assessed.
Guidance.
- Identify slip and trip risks
- Rectify slip and trip risks
- Prevent floors from getting wet or contaminated
- If a spillage occurs clean it up quickly
- Prevent people walking on wet floors until they have dried
- Route cables away from traffic routes
- Everyone should look out for trip hazards and move or report them
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Report unsafe or slippery flooring
- Report broken or uneven flooring
- Report obstacles
- Implement good housekeeping
- Stack materials safely
- Never store materials or equipment in walkways or escape routes
Questions.
- Why are slips and trips a problem?
- What injuries might you suffer from a slip or a trip?
Summary.
Most slips and trips can be avoided by suitable flooring and footwear, keeping flooring clean, cleaning spillages, storing materials and equipment safely and rerouting trailing cables. Everyone should help to identify slip and trip hazards and help to keep the workplace safe.
