Steps to Prevent Slips and Trips in the Workplace

The importance of regularly conducting risk assessments cannot be overstated. However, you don’t want every risk assessment to reveal preventable safety hazards, so how do you create and maintain a culture of workplace safety, one where these issues are resolved immediately after they appear, if not before? Routine maintenance is crucial to preventing many workplace incidents, whether it means fixing broken equipment or the building itself. Many hazards are the result of damaged or defective materials, such as potholes, broken tiles, or weak spots in the floor. If a structural issue can’t be fixed right away, it should at least be marked clearly so that people will go around it and avoid the risk of injury. This goes for any surface that’s potentially unsafe, like a wet floor or a rug that’s out of place. Good housekeeping is the best way to prevent safety hazards from being an issue in the first place. Not only should surfaces be kept clean and dry, but you should identify the areas of your workplace where this is most likely to be an issue, so that hazards are removed quickly and efficiently. These are most often restrooms and any area where food is prepared, but may also include entryways where dirt, mud, and rain will be tracked in. Additionally, some parts of your workplace may be especially prone to structural issues, such as a pipe or appliance that tends to leak. Some hazards might be the result of the building’s design. A floor that’s uneven or a ramp that’s too steep can be enough to cause an accident, and while these hazards may be the hardest to remove, you should still take whatever precautions you can. You may not be able to fix every slip and trip risk yourself, but the worst thing you can do is nothing. If you notice a problem and don’t do anything about it, you could find yourself on the hook if someone does get hurt, and could even get hurt yourself. Safety is the first priority in the workplace, and can save you a lot more than you spend on it.