Five Tips to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls at Work

Slips, trips and falls are the number one cause of on-the-job accidents and injuries, ranging from minor bruises and lacerations to head injuries, traumatic brain injuries and death. In fact, after transportation-related deaths, falling accidents are the leading cause of workplace death in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities every year. Falls so frequently contribute to on-the-job accidents, injuries and fatalities that they are one of four major hazards identified by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as the “Fatal Four” leading causes of fatalities in the workplace. After falls, the other most common causes of workplace fatalities are electrocutions, struck by an object and caught-in or caught-between accidents. 

Preventing Falling Accidents in the Workplace

According to OSHA, more than 36% of all fatalities in the workplace occur because of workers falling. These slip, trip and fall accidents often involve workers falling off ladders, slipping or falling on improperly constructed walking or working surfaces, falling off roofs or scaffolding, or falling from construction areas. Some of the most common causes of on-the-job falls include poor lighting, unsuitable floor coverings, poor housekeeping, contaminated floor surfaces, uneven or damaged floor surfaces, improper footwear and failure to secure a ladder. Fortunately, there are steps workers and employers alike can take at work to reduce the risk of on-the-job slips, trips and falls.

Ensure that appropriate footwear is worn

The shoes employees wear at work can play a big role in reducing their risk of being injured in a slip and fall accident. For instance, slippery soles or too-high heels can increase a worker’s risk of tripping or slipping and falling. Employers should establish protocols requiring workers to wear footwear that is appropriate for the duties they are expected to perform at work. 

Create good housekeeping practices

Good housekeeping goes hand in hand with workplace safety. If a company fails to implement good housekeeping practices as part of the daily work routine, the result may be a greater risk of employee injuries and workers’ compensation claims. In order to create an effective housekeeping program, employers should know what tasks need to be done and who will be working on those tasks in what areas so they can assign specific responsibilities to employees and ensure that the work gets done.

Reduce wet or slippery surfaces

This includes floors, parking lots, sidewalks and any other walking surfaces where slip and fall accidents could potentially occur. Outdoor areas can become significantly more slippery when weather conditions change and should be kept clean and in good condition as much as possible. If indoor walking areas become wet or slippery, from spilled beverages, wet shoes or other factors, they should be cleaned up immediately or a “wet floor” sign should be used to alert workers to the potentially hazardous conditions.

Keep aisles and walkways clear

Injuries at work can result from trips caused by clutter, equipment or obstacles in aisles, stairwells, corridors, entranceways and other walkways. This includes cords strung across walkways without the use of proper cord protectors. Taking steps to ensure that these areas are consistently clear is the best way to avoid these types of workplace accidents. 

Create and maintain proper lighting

Poor lighting in the workplace is a surefire way to increase the risk of slips, trips and falls. In order to reduce the incidence of slip and fall accidents at work, ensure that proper lighting is used in hallways, staircases, ramps, basements, construction areas and other walkways and work areas. Any fixtures, cords or switches that malfunction should be repaired immediately. 

If you’ve experienced a slip, trip or fall that requires treatment from a doctor, reach out to BASS Urgent Care. Call (925) 329-3718 to schedule an appointment, or just walk in any weekday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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