Slips and falls pose a substantial risk in nearly all types of workplaces, across all types of industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 450,540 slips, trip, and fall injuries requiring days off work suffered by employees in all occupations in 2022. While they commonly occur, there are steps that employers and workers alike can take to help reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents in the workplace.
Maintain a Clean Workplace
Whether in an office, on a construction site, or some other indoor or outdoor workspace, maintaining clean work areas can help reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents. To this end, workers should take care to clean up any spills or other messes. Employers, can aid with this by encouraging employees to report any hazards they notice, and by keeping the walkways clear.
Ensure Adequate Lighting
Poor visibility in the workplace can make it difficult for workers to see and avoid trip or fall hazards. As such, employers may help reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents by making sure there is proper lighting throughout the workspace. Workers should report any lights that are out to their employers, so that they can be replaced.
Manage Trip Hazards
Many trip hazards in the workplace are overlooked as dangers, but can be easily managed to help improve safety. For example, employees may trip over cords, drawers, cabinets, or other items. Therefore, employers may take steps, such as using cord covers and routing cords behind furniture. Workers should take care to keep drawers and cabinets closed when they aren’t in use. Equipment, supplies, and other items should be stored securely to keep them from becoming tripping hazards. Managing trip hazards can aid in preventing accidents that may result in the need for a slip and fall case.
Use Safety Equipment
Some work environments have known or inherent dangers. Using safety equipment can help prevent these hazards from causing serious or deadly accidents. When working at heights or on slippery or uneven surfaces, using fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards and lifelines, safety nets, and guardrail systems, may keep employees safe.
For their part, employers should provide this equipment to their employees, as well as provide training to make sure they know how to properly use it. Workers should use this equipment when it is provided, and ask for it if they feel they need it and it is not.
Promote Awareness
Employers can take the extra steps of encouraging awareness of slip-and-fall risks for their workers. They may implement safety programs to train employees on identifying and avoiding these types of risks in the workplace. Additionally, it is helpful for employers to foster an environment where workers feel comfortable reporting hazards they notice. Employers should take measures to promptly address such issues reported by their employees.
Slip-and-fall accidents in the workplace often result in serious injuries, which require medical treatment and time off work to recover. Those who have suffered an injury because of a slip or fall at work may consider consulting with a workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss their options for pursuing benefits or damages for their associated losses.
Also Read: 10 of the Most Common Workplace Injuries and How to Avoid Them
