Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace

What is the greatest danger you face in your working day? Where do the dangers lie? When will this accident happen to you?

 If you are a miner operating heavy machinery, or a disposal expert handling dangerous materials, or a fire fighter entering burning buildings, then the dangers are obvious and adequate training is given as a matter of course. The hazards of working in an office may be less obvious, but are still there and proper training still needs to be given. For the majority of us some of the most serious dangers lie in wait for us as we walk from A to B!

Statistics show that you are actually most likely to have an accident at work slipping, tripping or falling. The “major injury” statistics held by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that, year on year, around half of all major injuries to employees are caused by slipping, tripping and falling. Last year the figure rose to 57%, with 43 fatalities. The HSE statistics also show that the rate of injury increases steadily as we get older.

There are two keys things to bear in mind in order to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. First, it is vitally important that one remains aware of the potential dangers that exist in one's environment. Secondly, one must take personal responsibility. Once on top of these two, prevention is almost an automatic outcome. A workplace accident is usually caused by something which could have easily been avoided. .

Good training is clear and simple . The causes of slips, trips and falls are highlighted and explained in such a way that the information is retained. The most important message in the training should be that personal responsibility is taken for all hazards - not only those you create yourself, but also those you find. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Section 7 - General duties of employees at work states that “It shall be the duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work”

Now that we know the key points, what should slips, trips and falls training practically involve?

The most improtant requirement is that it covers good housekeeping. This covers a range of responsibilities. One in three major slips, trips and falls are the result of wet surfaces, so clean up any fluids that are dropped or spilt and ensure surfaces are dried thoroughly after cleaning. Clear warning signs should be put in place until this is done. All walkways have to be kept clear, with particular attention given to areas with the heaviest footfall (e.g. stairs and entrances). All areas should be well-lit, so that any potential hazards can be seen. Ensure floors and floor coverings are not a trip hazard. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 when talking about the conditions of floors state that (2a) “…the floor shall have no hole or slope or be uneven or slippery so as to expose any person to a risk to his health and safety; and (3) every floor in a workplace shall be kept free from obstructions and from any article or substance which may cause a person to slip, trip or fall”

The time was that a paper cut was the greatest risk posed by office equipment. Times have changed and the digital revolution has wrought many wonders. But it has also brought new dangers, as cables litter the floors and walls of so many workplaces. With so many wires everywhere, it is all too easy for people to slip, trip or fall. So-called “raceways” can be used to cover up and secure cables to the floor, reducing trip hazards. Many modern office desks are fitted with grommets through which cables can be passed, so they’re not left hanging down the back of desks.

Accidents can also be caused by personal factors. Tiredness, feeling unwell, hurrying, complacency, distraction are all common causes. How many people do you see walking and texting at the same time? How many inadequately mop up some spilt fluids with a tissue and leave the desk smeared with a film of hazardous liquid? How many idly swing back and forth on their swivel chair when thinking? These are all slips, trips and falls waiting to happen!

Particularly dangerous areas include stairways, with the potential to fall so much further and harder. According to HSE statistics, almost as many people suffered injuries at work in 2009/2010 falling down stairs, as falling from a height (e.g. platforms, ladders, scaffolding). It's therefore an area where particular attention should be paid to the key factors of good housekeeping and personal factors.

Safety in the work place should be an ongoing concern. Conduct regular checks for potential accidents. Reassess employees on a regular basis with consideration given to where additional training may be appropriate. If a slip, trip or fall does occur, then it is important you respond quickly and appropriately, collecting the facts and using the knowledge gained to prevent it happening again.

It’s a simple message - too many serious accidents are happening when they really should not be. In the majority of cases they are caused by individual carelessness and inattentiveness. Helping to protect yourself and your colleagues from slips, trips and falls is really very simple and usually costs nothing but a little increased consideration.