Safety Tip: Avoid workplace slips, trips and falls!

• Pearson Koutcher Law
• 06/17/2015

Why is the prevention of slips, trips and falls important?

The U.S Department of Labor and Industry reports that slips, trips and falls make up the majority of work accidents. More specifically, slips and falls account for 15% of all accidental deaths, only the second-leading cause behind motor vehicle, approximately 25 percent of all reported injury claims a year are slip and falls and more than 95 million work day (65% of all work days) are lost per year.

How do slips, trips and falls at work occur?

According to Reliable Plant, there are a wide range of situations that may cause slips, trips and falls at work. These situations include wet or slick floors, floors covered with wood dust or powder, uneven or sloped walking surfaces, ramps, missing tiles or bricks, weather hazards such as rain, sleet, ice and snow, cords and cables, open desk drawers, metal surfaces such as construction plates, wet and muddy shoes, loose carpet, a damaged ladder, or clutter.

 What can you, the employee, do to prevent slips, trips and falls at work?

• Wear proper footwear
• Use designated walkways
• Pay attention to where you are going
• Take your time.
• Adjust your pace to one that is appropriate for the tasks you are doing and the environment around you.
• Make slow, wide turns at corners
• Pick up loose items from the floors
• Close file cabinet drawers after use
• Keep feet pointed slightly outward while walking
• Use a flashlight while working in a room with no light.
• Don’t wear sunglasses in low light area
• Avoid carrying or pushing items that may prevent you from seeing obstructions or spills.

For more safety tips, continue to check back to our blog!

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