Slips, trips and falls may not sound serious but they are in fact one of the leading causes of injuries in the workplace and account for more than one in five serious workers’ compensation claims in Australia. They can also result in workers compensation cases, lost time and a lot of money for your company. Read this post for information on how to prevent slips, trips and falls.
What are the most common causes of slip, trip, and fall incidents?
- Slip incidents are commonly caused by wet floors, spilled liquids (such as water or oil) or poor quality or incorrect type of flooring for the type of work
- Trips are commonly caused by inadequate housekeeping and cluttered floors or walkways, poor quality or uneven flooring, loose carpet or floor mats, changes in elevation, poor lighting conditions or incorrect clothing
- Falls from elevation such as ladders, roofs, mobile equipment or elevated structures are common and most likely to result in serious injury or death
Common injuries from slips, trips and falls
Many slips, trips and falls result in minor injuries such as bruises, cuts and scrapes. However, they can also cause more serious injuries, particularly falls, and in some cases they can even be fatal. Common injuries include:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures and broken bones
- Dislocations
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Serious injuries can mean a loss of earnings while the worker recovers, long-term pain and suffering, and even permanent disability. That is why it is so important to take steps to prevent them.
Identifying slip trip and fall hazards
Identifying hazards is always the first step when it comes to work health and safety. By inspecting the workplace and talking to workers and supervisors, you can determine exactly where incidents can or have already occurred in your workplace.
To ensure you have the most accurate understanding of potential hazards, it is recommended to sketch a layout of the work area and mark on it where incidents or hazards have been reported.
It is also essential to regularly review incident and injury reports, and to encourage workers to report wet or slippery areas to their supervisor as soon as they notice them.
Get our free hazard report form.
How to prevent slips, trips and falls in the workplace
- In the event of any hazardous surfaces (for example, wet weather or spilled liquids), post warning signs until the situation has been completely remedied.
- Clean up spills immediately so there is no water or oil left on the floor.
- Always maintain adequate housekeeping as objects on the ground are a potential hazard for any employee working in or walking through an area
- Ensure paths are clear and even and tools and equipment are out of the way of foot traffic. This applies to cables and cords which are a common cause of trips.
- Ensure workers are wearing the appropriate type of footwear – flat, enclosed and well-fitted. For workers exposed to slips, ensure footwear is slip-resistant with good traction, and avoid shoes with smooth soles such as high heels or dress shoes
- Ensure that the proper type of flooring is installed for the appropriate type of work being conducted.
- Ensure regular floor maintenance such as improving the slip resistance of a surface with the right cleaning method
- Fixing any changes in heights, torn carpets, loose floor mats, broken concrete, cracked tiles etc
- Where floor/surface cannot be fixed immediately, highlight any height or surface changes with contrast colours or strips (e.g. yellow/reflective paint or tape)
- When walking on slippery or uneven surfaces, take your time: walk slowly and carefully, avoid sudden movements and hold onto something stable for support
For more information on choosing the best type of flooring for your workplace – see Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on flooring.
How to prevent falls in the workplace
- Ensure that all workers are properly trained in fall prevention methods and procedures
- Ensure that stairs height and depth measurements are consistent
- Ensure steps are always easy to see, well lit and maintained
- Do not use ramps that are overly steep with no edging
- Ensure that all areas are well lit and use handrails on any elevated surfaces where feasible
- Use barriers when working at heights, along with adequate fall protection such as body harnesses and lanyards attached to an approved anchor point
- Ensure workers are using proper techniques when climbing up and down ladders and never leaning to reach objects
- Regularly inspect equipment for potential hazards
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when operating machinery, and follow workplace safety procedures at all times
What to do straight after a slip, trip or fall
If you have a slip, trip or fall
- First, try to stay calm. This will help you assess the situation and any injuries you may have sustained.
- Get up slowly and carefully. If you can’t get up on your own, call for help.
- Seek medical attention and report the incident, even if it seems minor.
If you see someone slip, trip or fall
- Check to see if the person is injured.
- If they are not injured, help them get up.
- If they are injured, call for medical assistance immediately.
Report and record the incident
- Report the incident to your supervisor and fill out any necessary paperwork, no matter how minor the injury may seem. This helps prevent the same incident happening to somebody else.
- Take photographs of the scene if possible.
- Identify any potential witnesses.
What to do after an injury from slips, trips and falls
- Determine what caused the injury
- Make changes to prevent further injuries
- Ensure all workers are up to date on the most current procedures; and
- Support the worker with rehabilitation and return to work. Our return to work plan guide covers the employer steps.
Learning from mistakes will ensure your business reduces risks, injuries and costs and improves productivity.
Where can I find more free resources on hazard and risk assessment?
For more information on trip, slip and fall injuries – see Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
For free Work Health and Safety Templates for Construction and companies in Queensland – see our free WHS templates
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