SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS ON SAFE GROUND
Businesses across the UK could be losing around £512m a year due to slips and trips that seriously impact employees. From absenteeism to lost production days, this can be costly to both employers and staff. Thankfully, with increased health and safety legislation in place, employers are finding more ways to minimise potential incidents while investigating site safety further. There is now greater emphasis on architecture and accessible walkways to achieve this.
It's not as simple as ensuring paths are clear of debris and appropriate signage or forewarning is issued – these are still important though. The health and safety conscious are now reviewing alternative paving and pathway solutions, such as anti-slip glass- reinforced plastic (GRP) grating, as a cheaper and more durable resource. Any hazards indicated on a risk assessment could be caused by poor flooring conditions or environmental design, meaning an overhaul might be well overdue.
FATAL FLAWS Feeling unsteady underfoot is not the only indicator that a type of flooring could be hazardous, and potentially result in a severe or fatal injury. While the level of severity will differ based on a range of factors, it’s important that organisations take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and protection of workers and site visitors. Some potential environment and flooring designs that could prove fatal include:
• Wet flooring that offers no grip underfoot.
• Poor lighting that ineffectively indicates any risks or hazards.
• Damaged and decaying surfaces that require urgent maintenance.
• Stairs without a railing support system.
• Walkways with uneven or displaced flooring that can easily be missed.
These examples are more invasive for any organisation as they will require structural changes to be made. Between 2021 and 2022, one worker died from a slip or trip on the same level, while 29 workers died due to falling from a height. It’s possible that inadequate and dangerous flooring, including slippery walkways around building sites, could easily lead to a fatality, which is something every organisation wants to avoid.
DON’T SLIP UP Active prevention is vital, but there are instances where human error might occur even if for just a split second. Injuries that happen in the workplace could make the employer liable. Typically, most incidents occur due to two factors: poor housekeeping
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and wet conditions underfoot. Businesses and organisations will try to mitigate these risks through risk assessments. However, it’s likely that misunderstanding or little awareness around what a slip or trip is will start to cause their own problems. Mistakes can include:
• Poor housekeeping and failing to report maintenance issues.
• Installing inadequate flooring for your site. • Failing to create access points over pipes or cables. • Putting tasks, such as floor maintenance, on hold. • Considering that slips and trips are inevitable.
Many people shrug off slips and trips as an eventuality that every workplace and public space will experience. Unfortunately, this attitude is counterproductive to anyone aiming for active prevention. It’s even possible that such an opinion could create an ignorant culture in the workplace. As employers are losing around 38.8 million working days as a result of non-fatal injuries, finding appropriate and lasting solutions should be a high priority.
BEST SOLUTIONS There are solutions available for those reviewing their site’s health and safety rating. It’s worth investigating what problems your organisation faces and whether there are successful products already available to you.
Pathways susceptible to water and mud could utilise a fibreglass grating system, for example, that would allow water to drain through and greater support when walking across the top. Wet conditions can impact wooden bridges or decking, especially where mud can reduce grip. Using anti-slip decking strips adds an extra layer of security to those walking on wooden decking.
For existing pipes or cable networks that act as a trip hazard, a GRP Step Over provides a safe solution for workers. It will also secure pipes and cables from damage.
Finally, installing a handrail for all steps offers ultimate security, especially for those who are a little more unsteady on their feet.
https://gripclad.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com
GripClad provides insight into the many potential causes of slips, trips and falls, and offers expert tips on avoiding these hazards.
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