Slips and trips are the most common cause of workplace injury, causing over a third of all major injuries.
Causes of slips and trips in the workplace include:
- Wet floors
- Contaminated floors
- Unsuitable / contaminated footwear
- Obstructions
- Uneven floor surfaces
- Changes in floor surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Slippery floors and stair treads
Slip and trip accidents increase during the Autumn and Winter season for a number of reasons: there is less daylight, leaves fall onto paths and become wet and slippery and cold weather spells cause ice and snow to build up on paths.
It is important to assess the risk from slips and trips in all weather conditions. Issues to consider while assessing the risk include:
Lighting – Is there enough lighting to see walkways and any obstructions clearly?
Wet and decaying leaves – wet leaves can become a slip risk and can also hide other slip / trip risks underneath.
Snow, ice and frost – Consider areas to be used by pedestrians, including entrances ti buildings, car parks, walkways and emergency escape routes.
Rain water – Fit canopies over building entrances or a slip-resistant absorbent mat be placed at entrances?
Gritting – Gritting should be carried out when frost, ice or snow is forecast or when walkways are likely to be damp or wet and the floor temperatures are at, or below freezing. The best times are early in evening before the frost settles and/or early in the morning before employees arrive. Salt doesn’t work instantly; it needs sufficient time to dissolve into the moisture on the floor.
For more information on managing risk from slips and trips speak to one of the consultancy teamon 0845 050 3319
