Tom's Blog
No matter how safe or cautious you are, accidents do happen. In fact, slips, trips and falls happen at the workplace all the time, whether it is a customer or an employee. Unfortunately, when this sort of accident occurs, it can be financially devastating for the business due to potential lawsuits from a customer; extensive workers’ compensation claims filed by the employee(s) for medical bills and lost wages, or liability claims from the injured customer. Although accidents do occur, there are tips on how to avoid slips, trips and falls.
Common Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls
66% of slips, trips, and falls happen on flat, walking services, while the remaining 34% of slips/falls result from a fall from height or stairs. Some of the typical causes of slips, trips, and falls are as follows, but not limited to:
- Spills
- Uncovered Cables
- Slippery, Broken or Uneven Surfaces
- Poor Lighting
- Clutter or Obstructed Views
- Weather Conditions
- Loose Rugs, Mats, or Wrinkled Carpet
Don’t Let Your Floors Trip You Up
It happens all the time; someone at the workplace slips and falls! Because of the frequency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has put together some guidelines to promote safety at the workplace. So, are the floors at your business safe? To find out, review the guidelines below that have been developed for occupational safety.
- Make sure your floor surfaces are flush and level
- Make sure your floors are regularly cleaned with a cleaner certified by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI)
- Ensure the floors have adequate traction in all areas
- Provide information to your employees about wearing the proper footwear
- Provide proper warning signage if there is a spill/broken glass
- Provide proper hazard signage of slips, trips, falls
- Ensure that cables are tucked away out of the walking areas
Follow the Tips and Avoid the Slips
Slips and falls can happen at any time, but taking the right precautions at your work can help reduce the risk. Paramount Insurance Agency has an expert staff that can assist you with all of your questions on risk prevention from slip, trip, and fall exposures. Don’t trip up! Call our office TODAY at 866-869-3335 for information on slip and fall prevention in YOUR workplace.
