The vast majority of major slips result in broken bones and they can also be the initial cause for a range of other types of accident such as a fall from height.
Most slips occur in wet or contaminated conditions and most trips are due to poor housekeeping. The solutions are often simple and cost effective, a suitable assessment of the risks should identify the necessary controls and these should include;
- Prevention of contamination
- Management of spillages and cleaning regimes
- Effective matting systems
- Choice of suitable footwear
- Design of workplace and work activities
- Maintenance of plant and the work environment
- Specification of appropriate flooring
- Housekeeping
- Effective training and supervision
Employees have an important role to play in managing risks at a local level. Actions can include:
- Suggest ways of preventing contamination (water, oils, cardboard, waste etc.) from getting onto the floor
- Make sure the floor is clean and dry
- Clear up spillages immediately
- Dispose of waste materials
- Remove any obstructions
- Avoid causing trailing cables
- Store goods safely
- Keep workstations clear of obstacles
- Make sure flooring materials are level and secure
- Mark slopes and changes of levels
- Ensure you have adequate lighting
- Wear sensible footwear
- Think about visitors to your workplace, what do they need to know? Do you need to do more to protect them?
- Follow everything you put in place.
Working together to prevent slips, trips and falls is key to ensuring that all users of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ campus can do so safely. If you come across any instance of a spill or a condition that could lead to a fall then you should endeavour to rectify the solution where possible or report it appropriately.