Know the Causes and Prevention of Slips and Trips

Clutters and slippery floor can be risky to people at work. Report shows that slips and trips are the most common accidents in the United Kingdom.

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of slips and trips in the workplace. This can be due to wet floors, uneven floor surface, trailing cables, changes in levels, poor lighting and poor housekeeping.

Wet floor due to spillage of water, ice, rainwater, snow, oil and other chemicals is risky for the employees. Workers might slip along the building entrance, walkway, parking lot and slope areas. Any liquid or even decaying leaves can be harmful especially when it is not cleaned up immediately. Injuries can be sustained from these hazards just like the ones mentioned in accident at work.co.uk. In some instances, workers trip on uneven floor surface. They sometimes failed to notice changes in levels and suddenly trip on it. Trailing cables which sprawled along the walkway obstructs people who walk to and fro the work area. Insufficient lighting can hinder them from seeing any obstruction along their way. Poor housekeeping is a bad practice that can affect the performance of the staff. Spilled liquids, greasy floor and clutters in the hallway which are left unclean even for a short period can be hazardous to employees.

Prevention of Hazards

Prevention of hazards due to slips and trips can be prevented by planning, training, organizing, controlling and monitoring. Employers are responsible to initiate and implement this in the workplace.

Business owners should conduct risk assessment and plan on how to deal with the hazards involved in a task. Consult the employees on any potential hazards and work together in setting goals for improvement. Train employees in observing health and safety in the workplace. One of the responsibilities of the employer is to provide adequate training to employees. Instruction and information on dealing with potential risk can help prevent accidents. Organise the work area by encouraging the staff to cooperate in reducing the risks in the area. Check if safe working practices are observed in the premises. Monitor if there are any accidents that occur in the area.

Good housekeeping can help in the prevention of slips and trips. Clean up spillages immediately so that no can get hurt.     Arrange equipment to avoid the cables from sprawling on the floor and cover it when needed. Repair the floor surface and provide sufficient lighting in dim areas. Make sure that rugs and mats are fixed properly.

Work-related accidents can be compensated. Ask for a legal advice on the processing of getting compensation for injuries in the UK.