Most workplace accidents happen as a result of unsafe actions or environments. Slip, trip and fall accidents are among the most common accidents that happen in workplaces across America.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help prevent these accidents in the workplace. Having the right footwear, putting up good signage, cleaning up spills and performing regular housekeeping tasks can all help your team avoid slips, trips and falls.
Wear the right shoes
Wearing the right shoes is essential in any workplace. Workers should not wear open-toed shoes, high heels or canvas shoes in environments where doing so is dangerous. For example, workers should not wear heels in slick or uneven areas.
Put up signs to warn others of hazards
If there is a hazard in the workplace such as a spill or wet floor, put a sign up to let others know. That way, they can take evasive action to avoid a fall.
Always clean up spills
Another thing to do is to make sure spills are cleaned up as soon as possible. After putting up a sign to warn others, focus on cleaning up the area to the best of your ability when it’s safe to do so.
Talk to your team about good housekeeping
It’s a good idea to talk to your team about housekeeping requirements in the workplace. Discuss the risks associated with leaving paperwork or boxes in the hallway or on the floors. Discuss the importance of closing desk drawers and putting tools back in the correct spaces. By having good housekeeping techniques, your work environment will be much safer.
It’s important to talk to your team about wearing the right shoes, cleaning up spills and using signage to avoid injuries. If a slip, trip or fall accident does happen, you or other colleagues in your workplace should seek out medical care. That injury may be covered by your workers’ compensation, so that you can relax knowing that your medical care is covered and that there are other benefits available to replace your lost wages or need for vocational rehabilitation.