Slips, Trips and Falls
Did you know that the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls?
According to nsc.org, in 2015, nearly 33,381 people died in falls at home and at work – and for working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death. Construction workers are most at risk for fatal falls from heights – more than seven times the rate of other industries. But falls can happen anywhere, even at a desk job.
Prevent falls in the work-place
The potential for slips, trips & falls can be widespread. Recognizing potential hazards at your worksite is important. Travelers Insurance has outlined some hazards associated with slips, trips & falls:
- Slippery surfaces such as polished stone
- Holes or broken surfaces
- Uneven walkways
- Poorly marked or lit walkways
- Wet surfaces due to poor drainage
- Slippery conditions due to water, ice, or mud during bad weather
Routine inspection and maintenance should be a regular part of your safety program to help prevent falls for both your visitors and employees.
If it is absolutely necessary to work from height, then it’s important to plan ahead. Assess your risk and use the right equipment when working with a ladder, scaffolding, or on a roof.
- Make sure the employee is properly trained on the equipment.
- Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment.
- Scan the work area for potential hazards before starting the job.
Reporting a workplace injury can also help prevent future slips, trips & falls.
If you do experience a workplace injury, be sure to document and report the incident. This information can help prevent future incidents and may be essential if a claim against the company is filed.
Here at Joyce, Jackman & Bell Insurors, we understand the risks and will provide strategies that you can implement to help prevent slips, trips, and falls at your workplace.