Waiting for an employee to have a trip and fall in the workplace before taking preventative steps is never a good idea for businesses. Unfortunately, workplace accidents are more common than many people think, and they can result in significant injuries to the employee. It also results in lost work hours when employees need to take time off to recover. But what’s an employer to do?
It doesn’t matter what kind of business you operate or the industry it is in; trips and falls can happen anytime and anywhere. With that said, here are six tips that can help prevent them from happening, or at the very least, cut down on the number of incidents.
1. Remove the Clutter and the Obstacles
The first step is a straightforward one that will offer dramatic results. All clutter and obstacles should be removed from walkways immediately. These are some of the most common reasons why slips and falls occur. There also needs to be a plan in place that ensures walkways stay clear and the clutter doesn’t build again. This may require re-thinking your storage solutions, as every item needs a proper space.
2. Ensure Proper Footwear Is Worn
Depending on the workplace, specific footwear may be advised or required. For example, anti-slip footwear with high-quality traction can provide much better stability. Think of it as safety gear, as it can protect the wearer from slippery and wet surfaces.
3. Safety Training Days Should be a Regular Thing
Safety training is something that new employees typically go through. Still, after that initial training, they may never hear anything about it again. Therefore, employers may want to make safety training sessions and days regular, such as every six months or yearly. It can act as a refresher and also address any new safety concerns or regulations.
4. Lighting Should be More Than Adequate
A big source of slips and falls is insufficient light to see where a person is walking safely. So, be sure the entire workplace – inside and outside – has more than enough lighting. If you’re concerned about the cost of utilities with all the additional lights, use motion-sensor fixtures where appropriate.
5. Install Signage Wherever Appropriate
Because safety should be a multi-layered approach, installing signage wherever appropriate is also important. Signs should point out potential dangers and employees’ actions to protect themselves.
6. Do You Have the Proper Insurance Coverage?
Did you know there are also state laws about workers’ compensation insurance that provide coverage when an accident or injury happens at the workplace? Take a look at the Mississippi workers’ compensation regulations to understand how things work. They require that all small businesses with at least five employees have Mississippi workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This coverage protects both the employer and employee and is vital to have.
Using these tips and advice, you can take the important steps needed to make the workplace safer for all, resulting in fewer trips and falls.
