SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS
TIPS TO AVOID TRIPS
Jon Marchant, Global Category Manager at Airwair International Ltd - Dr. Martens, advises that there is a need to educate both employers and employees across all sectors on the dangers of poor quality and inappropriate boot style selection. Jon unveils his top tips for workplace safety against slips, trips and falls.
Slips and trips are the most common reasons for injury at work, causing on average, 40% of all reported major injuries. Despite being a key reason for injury, slip and trip accidents are often perceived as minor, and considered to be an everyday unavoidable occurrence. The chance of these accidents occurring dramatically increases where the floor is likely to come into contact with water, oil or grease, including kitchens, garages and construction sites. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are legally obligated to ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone affected by their work; this includes helping to prevent the chance of slips and trips.
1. CONSIDER THE WORK ENVIRONMENT As well as ensuring any spillages are sufficiently cleared up, many misfortunes could be avoided simply by selecting more appropriate footwear. When deliberating what footwear is suitable, the most important consideration is working conditions. Are internal toe caps required? Would slip-resistance, anti-static or water resistance features benefit the wearer? The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1991 states that all employers are required to assess potential risks, including slips and trips, and take action where necessary. Conducting a risk assessment for the work environment is the most efficient way to determine which footwear would best suit
It is essential that employers and employees take time to
do research when purchasing work footwear as not all slip- resistant boots are suitable for all conditions. For example, footwear that performs well in wet conditions might not be appropriate for oily surfaces or surfaces where there have been food spillages.
2. FOOTWEAR TRIALS Footwear trials should always be put in place before supplying a workforce, to ensure that all workers are happy to wear them over the course of a full working week. It’s
32
important not to purchase footwear based on brochure information or lab tests alone; conduct in-house tests too. Trials aren’t just carried out to test the quality and effectiveness of the product, although that is important, but they also help determine whether employees find the boots comfortable and workable. If they don’t, it’s possible they may not wear them at all, further increasing risk.
3. TEST FOR RESISTANCE Before purchasing work boots or shoes, check with the supplier how the product has been tested for slip resistance – this will help determine if they’re suitable.
Suppliers can also conduct additional slip testing if commissioned to. These additional tests allow employers to see how the product fares against their own surfaces or substances.
4. ADVICE FOR EMPLOYEES Not all employers supply their workforce with footwear, however, they should still be advising and recommending specific boot types to employees, taking into account working conditions. Some brands offer specific footwear to suit different industries including a water resistant range, a heavy duty range or a slip resistant range.
Similarly, if employees have any concerns or queries about which industrial boot they should choose, they should raise them with their employer before purchasing.
5. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR When it comes to footwear, the cost certainly affects
the quality. An £80 pair of boots will offer much more protection compared to a £20 pair of boots. It might seem excessive at first to spend more than the average on a pair of work footwear, however, it’s vital to remember that these products have been specially developed to prevent life altering injuries, meaning the benefits are priceless.
www.drmartens.com www.tomorrowshs.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60