Slips, trips, and falls do happen, usually only causing embarrassment or a simple bruise. However, at times, these mishaps result in much more serious injuries or even death. Falls are among the leading causes of death in the workplace.
To stay safe and protected, follow these tips:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Never assume a walkway is clear. Look for clutter on the floor or steps and watch for unexpected changes in floor levels such as a step up or a step-down. Also, check for holes and grates in a pathway.
- Maintain adequate lighting in hallways, stairways, aisles, and any other traffic areas. Make sure it is bright enough to see! Perform audits at different times of the day to ensure adequate lighting and to detect lighting sources that are inoperable.
- Do not leave equipment or other materials on the floor, and do not obstruct traffic aisles and walkways in the school or maintenance areas.
- Always use appropriate ladders or stools and ensure that those are readily available.
- When carrying materials or objects, make sure the view is not obstructed. Better to make two trips rather than a trip to the emergency room.
- Clean up spilled liquid on the floor immediately and have signs readily available to place in wet floor locations.
- Do not leave anything on the stairs, even for a minute.
- Watch for loose floor tiles, loose or torn carpeting, rugs turned up, or slick floors. Have a process in place to not only report these conditions, but to correct them as well.
- Do not allow extension cords, cables, or hoses to cross walkways.
- Close drawers in filing cabinets, desks, and other furniture.
- Ensure staff is wearing appropriate shoes for the conditions they are exposed to daily.
Finally, if someone does fall, conduct a thorough accident review /investigation to ensure the cause is identified and corrected.
If you have questions contact me at 614.546.7331 or jim.wirth@sedgwick.com.