Causes of Same-Level Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace
, by Paige Pesko, 2 min reading time
Prevent injuries by knowing the causes of same-level slips, trips, and falls in the workplace. Ensure safety with the right equipment and knowledge.
Tens of thousands of workers are injured every year due to the common causes of same-level slips, trips, and falls in the workplace. These incidents can be avoided with the right knowledge of slipping hazards and by utilizing the ideal tools to prevent or mitigate the damage done. Take the necessary steps to avoid potentially serious injury for yourself, your employees, and possibly even clients.
When Do Falls Happen?
Research shows that two-thirds of workplace falls take place while on the same level, while the remaining third occur while on an elevated surface. Falls on the same level occur when there is only a flat surface, and something on that surface causes you to lose your balance, resulting in a fall. Elevated incidents happen while on ladders, roofs, or on stairs, to name a few scenarios.
Slipping Hazards
Slipping happens when there is reduced friction between your footwear and the surface of the ground. The most common slipping hazards to look out for include:
- Weather conditions, such as ice or rainwater.
- Spills from containers housing liquids.
- Rugs and mats that are not properly secured to the ground.
- Wet or oily surfaces.
- Walking surfaces that do not have adequate traction.
Tripping Hazards
Distinct from slips, tripping occurs when your foot comes in contact with an object, causing you to lose your balance and resulting in a fall. Tripping hazards include:
- Uncovered or loose cables.
- Heavily wrinkled carpeting.
- Poor light levels or obstructed view.
- Uneven walking surface.
- Cluttered walkways.
How To Mitigate Falling Hazards
Always be cautious of walking into new and unexplored worksite. You don’t know the condition it may be in and if it contains anything hazardous to your wellbeing, falling hazards, or otherwise. Once you do enter into an area with clear falling dangers, there are several actions you should take:
- Clean up any spills or excess clutter immediately.
- Maintaining a well-lit work area.
- Secure all mats or rugs to the floor’s surface.
- Ensure that walkways remain free of obstacles.
Proper Equipment
When dealing with areas that are knowing to have excess liquids and slipping hazards, you may need to invest in reliable shoe covers. While it can be expensive to purchase work shoes for every possible surface hazard, shoe covers are inexpensive and can be switched out instantly.
By being aware of the most common causes of same-level slips, trips, and falls in the workplace, you can stay vigilant and avoid unfortunate incidents. In addition, it’s definitely worth it to invest in additional safety provisions to further guarantee employee safety. Provizio Supply is a shoe cover supplier that can provide you and your employees with the proper protection against work-related slipping hazards.