SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS SURE FOOTING


Slips and trips are an avoidable epidemic, according to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The institution offers advice on what measures can be put in place to avoid costly accidents.


Slips and trips are a major cause of workplace injuries. They account for thousands of reportable accidents every year at a significant cost to businesses.


These accidents can lead to a range of injuries including minor cuts and bruises or, in more extreme circumstances, life changing and even fatal injuries.


According to the HSE, in 2014-15 there were 142 deaths and 76,054 non-fatal injuries to employees as a result of a slip or a trip in the workplace.


It is clear from these statistics that slips, trips and falls have a huge impact on business – so are they unavoidable? Is it a risk which is just part and parcel of everyday life?


According to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) the answer is no. In fact, the opposite is true. The institution says there are many ways that businesses can prevent staff from being injured by slipping on a wet floor or tripping over a wire. What is more these steps are fairly simple and represent an investment in occupational safety and health, something which can benefit the bottom line of businesses, not least as it will help to avoid any claims being made for injuries.


TIME TO BE PROACTIVE One step is by instilling a culture of cleaning spillages when they occur. For this to be fully effective it must be instilled right across an organisation. Training is a good way to demonstrate to staff what the correct cleaning procedures are. Through training, organisations can show workers why it is important they clean up spillages as soon as they happen, rather than thinking it is someone else’s responsibility. If this is not done, the next person who encounters the spillage may not see it until it is too late and slip.


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Clearly not all slips and trips hazards can be simply removed, something recognised by IOSH. Therefore, the institution believes that hand-in-hand with this can go a habit of reporting issues such as broken flooring or leaks. Again workers should not presume it is not their responsibility and think the next person who encounters it can deal with it. After all, workplace safety and health is everyone’s responsibility.


DELIBERATE DESIGN IOSH believes that besides training, employers can also look at alterations to the working environment in an attempt to cut slips and trips. The Workplaces (Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations) 1992 says that every floor or traffic route should be constructed using a surface that is suitable, with effective drainage.


For example, good lighting can illuminate flooring, helping employees to spot any hazards. Meanwhile signs and floor markings can highlight where there are any changes in floor surface or level.


To help make sure this is done, organisations can look at bringing in planned maintenance regimes. Such schemes can include slip resistant flooring and drains to carry water away. Good housekeeping and pedestrian route marking will help, as will adhering to manufacturer recommendations for keeping equipment and flooring in top working condition. Manufacturers are in the best position to provide advice on what cleaning materials and methods to use in maintenance work. Use of incorrect materials can actually destroy protective properties that are designed to safeguard the workforce in the first place so organisations should seek advice on this from the very beginning.


“TRAINING


IS A GOOD WAY TO


DEMONSTRATE TO STAFF WHAT THE CORRECT CLEANING


PROCEDURES ARE.”


LEADING FROM


THE TOP DOWN It is important that managers realise the seriousness of slips and trips and lead the way, IOSH believes. Supervisors and safety advisors all have a part to play in putting in place systems that properly maintain areas to make incidents less likely; this can include visual checks of all working areas and corridors.


What must be recognised is that the responsibility for preventing slips and trips – which are a great cost to both employers and employees – does not just fall at the feet of safety and health professionals and the risk assessment. It is everyone’s responsibility and putting in place preventative measures requires buy- in from the top down.


Finally, employees need to understand the importance of keeping their eyes open to, and reducing the risks. If that culture can be successfully instilled in a business, it should start to see long- term improvements.


www.iosh.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com


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