Slips and Falls in the Workplace

Slips and falls are the most common injuries around the workplace, regardless of what kind of work environment you are in. Offices can be just as prone to slipping and falling as warehouses and shops are, so you need to plan to prevent accidents from happening. In the United States, slips and falls actually account for around 15% of all accidental deaths per year. It also accounts for almost one hundred million lost days from workers being off sick or injured. Your first step in preventing slips and falls is checking your flooring. If you have slippery surfaces such as concrete, tiles or wood, then it’s important to use non-slip mats in high traffic areas and work areas. Make sure that you have your floor cleaned regularly and any liquid spills or debris are cleaned up as soon as possible, or marked out clearly with safety signs. This is also important if you are operating in a retail environment because slips and falls can leave you open to litigation. Make sure staff are keeping an eye out for slippery parts of your store and have clear guidelines for staff regarding what to do in case of a spill. Source: http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/27549/Prevent-slips-trips-falls