Slips and trips can happen anywhere, but when they happen to your employees, on your watch, things can get a little sticky. There a number of conditions that set the stage for same-level slips, trips, and falls within the workplace. Same-level falls can be defined as falls that occur on relatively level surfaces, ramps, and stairs (as opposed to falling from elevation or “falling to below” type falls) and are the result of a disruption of normal or expected walking gait. Although such accidents occur in some industries more than others, the service, wholesale, and retail trade industries, together, account for over 60% of injuries resulting from same-level falls. Many of these types of incidents can be prevented with these five tips.
- Good Housekeeping Practices
Good housekeeping and employee safety go hand and hand. Workplaces must be kept clean, well-ordered, and sanitary in order to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Poor housekeeping can increase the probability of employee incidents, higher insurance costs, as well as regulatory citations. Implementing routine housekeeping programs is essential.
- Make housekeeping procedures a key step in each employee’s daily routine.
- Assign responsibilities and task to a specific person or group.
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces
Walking surfaces account for a large majority of injuries reported to state agencies. Indoor preventative measures can alleviate injuries due to slips and falls.
- Create procedures that outline the appropriate action that should be taken in the case of spills.
- Display “Wet Floor” signs accordingly.
- Use moisture absorbent mats.
- Wear proper, slip-resistant shoe covers.
- Obstacles in Walkways and Aisles
Trips caused by clutter, obstacles, or equipment can also result in employee injuries. Good housekeeping measures remain the best practice for preventing these types of injuries. Policies and procedures that allow time for cleaning and organizing should be put into place – especially in areas where waste or other materials are offshoots of operations.
- Avoid placing cords and cables across hallways or aisles.
- Keep all high traffic areas clean and orderly.
- Conduct recurring inspections for potential slip and trip hazards.
- Lighting
Inadequate lighting can restrict vision. Thus, hiding obstacles and slippery areas from the employee’s eye. Proper lighting is critical – especially in areas such as walkways staircases, hallways, and basements.
- Footwear
The shoes that your employees are wearing can play a large role in preventing same level slips, trips, and falls. When a fall-related injury is investigated, the footwear needs to be evaluated in order to discover whether or not there was a link between the shoe and the accident.
Prevent Same-Level Accidents with Shoe Covers
Within the common slip and trip industries listed above, protective shoe covers are often required. Shoe covers can offer a variety of protective features such as durability, anti-static, anti-skid, anti-slip, waterproof, and more. Check out BootieButler’s shoe covers and other shoe cover equipment for the best workplace safety. With a variety of different styles and features, BootieButler’s products can mitigate the workplace accidents that happen on your watch.
