Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace

What are the greatest dangers you face in your working day? Where do the dangers lie? Where is there an accident waiting to happen to you?

In some jobs the dangers are more obviously serious. If you are a miner operating heavy machinery, or a chemist handling dangerous materials, or a fire fighter entering burning buildings, then the dangers are obvious and adequate training is given as a matter of course. The hazards of working in an office may be less obvious, but are still there and proper training still needs to be given. For the majority of us the greatest dangers lie in wait for us as we walk from A to B!

According to statistics, most accidents in the workplace are the result of slips, trips and falls. The "major injury" statistics held by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that, year on year, around half of all major injuries to employees are caused by slipping, tripping and falling. Last year the figure rose to 57%, with 43 fatalities. The HSE statistics also show that the rate of injury increases steadily with age.

There are two keys things to bear in mind if you are to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. First of all, it is vitally important that one remains aware of the potential dangers that exist in one's environment. Secondly, each employee must take personal responsibility for their actions. Once on top of these two, prevention is almost an automatic outcome. A slip, tip or fall accident is usually caused by something which could have easily been avoided. .

It's not rocket science. Really good training needs to be clear and simple to understand. The causes of slips, trips and falls are highlighted and explained in such a way that the information is retained. Training needs to reinforce the message that we must responsibility for all those hazards we come across and not just those we cause ourselves. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Section 7 - General duties of employees at work says "It shall be the duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work"

So what should your slips, trips and falls training realistically cover?

The most important requirement is that it covers good housekeeping. This covers a range of responsibilities. Clean up anything dropped or spilt, as a third of major slips and trips happen on wet surfaces. Clear warning signs should be put in place until this is done. All walkways have to be kept clear, with particular attention given to areas with the heaviest footfall (e.g. stairs and entrances). Make sure areas are well-lit. Ensure floors and floor coverings are not a trip hazard. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 is clear on what is required of flooring in order to prevent workplace accidents (2a) "…the floor shall have no hole or slope or be uneven or slippery so as to expose any person to a risk to his health and safety; and (3) every floor in a workplace shall be kept free from obstructions and from any article or substance which may cause a person to slip, trip or fall"

The time was that a paper cut was the greatest risk posed by office equipment. Times have changed and the digital revolution has wrought many wonders. But it has also brought new dangers, as cables litter the floors and walls of so many workplaces. Precautions should be taken in order to ensure people do not slip, trip or fall on them. So-called "raceways" can be used to cover up and secure cables to the floor, reducing trip hazards. Many modern office desks are fitted with grommets through which cables can be passed, so they're not left hanging down the back of desks.

Personal factors also influence the likelihood of such accidents. Tiredness, feeling unwell, hurrying, complacency, distraction are all key causes. How many people do you see walking and texting at the same time? How many simply mop up some spilt fluids with a tissue and leave the desk smeared with a film of hazardous liquid? How many idly swing back and forth on their swivel chair when bored? These are all slips, trips and falls waiting to happen!

Particularly dangerous areas include stairways, with the potential to fall so much further and harder. According to HSE statistics, almost as many people suffered injuries at work in 2009/2010 falling down stairs, as falling from a height (e.g. scaffolding, platforms, ladders). So this is an area where special attention should be paid to both good housekeeping and personal factors.

Falls prevention in the work place should be an ongoing concern. Regularly check for potentially unsafe situations. Reassess employees on a regular basis with consideration given to where additional training may be appropriate. If a slip, trip or fall does occur, then it is important you respond quickly and appropriately, collecting the facts and using the knowledge gained to prevent it happening again.

Too many serious accidents are happening when they should not be. In most cases they are caused by individual carelessness and inattentiveness. Helping to protect yourself and your colleagues from slips, trips and falls is really very simple and usually costs nothing but a little increased consideration.