Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common reasons for experiencing an injury at work. These injuries can include sprains, fractures, lacerations, internal bleeding, concussions, and even fatalities. Therefore, it is critical that these types of hazards are acknowledged and prevented within the workplace.

• Slips…occur in locations where there is not enough traction or grip between the footwear and the surface being walked on.
• Trips…happen when the foot collides or strikes with an object which causes someone to lose their balance.
• Falls…take place either from the same level or elevated. Elevated falls are more severe, whereas same-level falls happen more frequently and are generally caused by slips or trips.

There are a variety of situations within the workplace that can cause slips, trips, and falls, which may include the following:

• Wet, greasy, or freshly polished floors
• Loose electrical cords or cables
• Damaged, irregular, or uneven flooring and steps
• Inadequate or poor lighting
• Open desk or file cabinet drawers
• Weather conditions such as ice, rain, frost, or snow

How can employees prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace?

• Execute proper housekeeping duties
• Contain and clean up spills immediately
• Participate in health and safety initiatives
• Be observant of walkways, hallways, and other areas within the workplace that may become cluttered or impacted

As a manager and/or employer, it is a part of your roles and responsibilities to create a safer working environment for you and your employees. Use the following guidelines to avoid work injuries due to slips, trips, or falls:

1. Provide proper training to employees
2. Have a company policy in place outlining the rules for housekeeping
3. Implement and maintain proper lighting
4. Reduce wet or slippery surfaces
5. Ensure employees are wearing proper footwear

Looking for an expert Health and Safety Consultant? Let us help you reduce the risk of accidents by providing a complete solution. Contact us now!

Personal safety goes beyond following the employer’s safety program. It also means having a general awareness and prevention of possible harmful situations, whether off or on the clock!

Giving proper attention to personal safety concerns can improve employee morale and reduce absences. When employees feel supported, workplaces often see an increase in productivity, creativity, and performance. A strong sense of awareness of risks and an increased knowledge of personal safety procedures can mean less employees are being injured.

TIPS ON PERSONAL SAFETY:

AT WORK

• Wear proper protective equipment and use the appropriate tools.
• Maintain good posture and recognize overexertion or awkward positioning.
• Report any unsafe conditions to a manager or supervisor.
• Follow and stay up to date on procedures and protocols.
• Keep a clean and well-organized workstation.
• Be an active participant in all safety training.

WHILE TRAVELLING

• Be alert and stay aware of your surroundings.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you’ll be returning.
• Try to stick to well-lit areas and don’t take shortcuts. Plan your route in advance.
• Travel with confidence and avoid talking to strangers.
• If something doesn’t feel right – trust your instincts. Leave immediately and contact the authorities.
• Utilize the buddy system when applicable.

AT HOME

• Install a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector. Test each annually.
• Keep an emergency kit and have an emergency response plan.
• Lock your door and, if possible, install a security system.
• Hide valuables in a secure space out of eyesight.
• Keep floors, aisles, and walkways dry and clear of miscellaneous items.
• Be cautious when speaking to someone on the phone if you cannot confirm their identity. They could be a fraudster.

Focusing on personal safety shouldn’t stop you from doing things you enjoy or living a normal life; it’s about being aware and taking the appropriate steps to stay safe.

Looking for an expert Health and Safety Consultant? Let us help you reduce the risk of accidents by providing a complete solution. Contact us now!

No one goes to work expecting to get hurt, but it’s the “it won’t happen to me” mentality that usually triggers accidents and injuries. It’s not uncommon for employees, supervisors, managers, or owners to become so comfortable and complacent in their day-to-day operations at work that they forget to ask themselves, “What can hurt me?” when entering the workplace. Asking this can prompt you to take the extra few minutes to evaluate the hazards of a work task, which could potentially save your life!

Below is a list of items that are occasionally overlooked or forgotten in the workplace and can potentially lead to serious harm:

MACHINE GUARDING

If machine guards are improperly installed, outdated, or need to be replaced, it could seriously injure the machine operator and/or other employees through physical contact, debris, dust, and even noise.

PINCH POINTS

Pinch points can be between two moving parts, or between a moving and stationary part, of an object or machine, such as conveyors, gears, loaders, compactors, and even desk drawers and cabinets. Crush injuries from pinch points can result in cuts, bruises, broken bones, and even amputations.

ACCIDENTAL START-UP OF EQUIPMENT

Injuries resulting from the failure to properly lockout/tagout a piece of broken equipment may result in electrocution, burns, crushing, cutting, lacerating, amputating, or fracturing body parts, and others. Check your SOP/SWP for lockout procedures.

SPILLS

Whether a hazardous substance, or not, spills can cause slips, trip, or falls or health hazards in the workplace. Ignoring or not following proper spill response procedures may lead to serious consequences.

RACKING AND STORAGE

Improper storage or racking can include heavy items on top shelves, overhanging products, damaged shelving, and racks holding more than their maximum capacity.

ELECTRICAL

Damaged extension cords, forgetting PPE, working on live circuits, improper grounding, or skipping lockout/tagout procedures can cause electrical shock or property damage due to fire.

NOISE

Noise in the workplace can cause permanent damage to your hearing. It can happen progressively or be caused immediately by exposure to peak sounds. If employees have to raise their voices to be heard from even just a yard away, it’s a good indication that the noise is reaching a harmful level and PPE is needed.

These common hazards pose a threat to you and other employees. Don’t forget – when walking into the workplace, ask yourself, “What can hurt me?”