A major element that defines whether a person is an employee is if their time and actions are under control of another party. Since employers control where and when their employees work, they have a major obligation to make sure they are provided with a work environment that is safe.

Among common sources of worker injury are slips and falls. Information from the National Safety Council reveals that stakes are high since, on average, a slip or fall’s cost $16,000! Sadly, many businesses are ignorant of this costly danger.

In order to understand what it takes to minimize such accidents, it is critical to be aware of a given business’s danger areas.

Danger Areas

With regard to typical workplaces, the areas of concern involve the following:

Exterior Walkways

Floors

Housekeeping

Miscellaneous

Stairs and Ramps

Weather

It is often smart to inspect a workplace, both interior and exterior spaces, in order to determine slip hazards. The next step is to correct any hazards that are found. Keep in mind that the attitude of managers and employees must be part of any safety plans since safe environments are a direct product of safe procedures and worker behaviors.

There are other important benefits in creating and maintaining a safer work place. Businesses that minimize harm to its employees usually experience fewer interruptions, lower insurance costs and higher levels of productivity.

Please see Worker Safety Parts 2 and three for examples and corrective action.

WORKER SAFETY – PART 2

In Worker Safety Part 1 we discussed the importance of addressing slips and falls by employees. In this part begin sharing examples and ways to improve dangerous situations.

Exterior Walkways

Regardless of weather, all outside areas, such as curbs, lawns, lots and sidewalks merit special attention. Parking areas that are next to sidewalks should be controlled so that vehicles are not allowed to overlap. Sidewalks must be kept in good repair to avoid large cracks (perils for tripping as well as trapping heels), and uneven sections (including heaving portions).

Asphalt areas should also be maintained to avoid dips, cracks and potholes. Use of gravel lots should be avoided because they are prone to uneven areas and pooling of water. If workers are allowed to walk on lawns and landscaped areas, they should be inspected for evenness. Care should be taken to use landscape devices that create trip hazards. It may be most prudent to prohibit use of lawn and landscape areas for walking (especially for shortcuts) when more suitable pathways are available. Plants, shrubs and trees near walkways should be properly trimmed and maintained so that growth and debris don’t hamper walkway use.

Curbs should be maintained as deteriorated curbs are a definite trip hazard. Use of bright paint to make curbs conspicuous is also helpful. Compliance with accessibility laws is a must, such as creating a slope that transitions from a lot to a walkway, also makes things safer for all workers.

Floors

Companies must make sure that any flooring used is properly maintained to keep them safe for use. Carpeting that develops worn or loose areas should be patched or replaced. Floor areas that consist of materials that are vulnerable to becoming slippery when wet can be handled by various methods. Use of mats is a good method. However, mats should be regularly inspected and kept clean and dry in order to remain effective. They should also be properly positioned and not cause uneven areas (inappropriately thick mats).

Floors should not be cleaned or treated with products, such as wax or polish that increase the chance of falling. Wood and vinyl floors should be kept level and free of cracked materials or gaps.

Wet floor areas, whether due to cleaning or spills, should be dried as quickly as possible and floor markers should be used to warn workers. However, markers should also be quickly removed when no longer needed or else workers will start to ignore them.

Please refer to Work Safety Part 3 for additional examples of possible accident sources and corrective action that a company may take to reduce chances of slip and fall losses.

WORKER SAFETY – PART 3

In Worker Safety Part 3 we continue to share examples and ways to improve dangerous situations.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping issues in this area have much to do with hazards caused when work paths are cluttered or are arbitrary. Other problems arise when floors may, due to work or accidents, may be slippery because of work byproducts (such as saw dust, particles left after drilling or spills. Another issue may be incidents where workers are using miscellaneous objects or furniture in order to reach items on higher levels. Use of such items increases the chance of falls because of breaking or loss of balance.

The best ways to approach such problems are to create designated walkways and to keep them free of obstructions. It is also important to quickly clear any particles or substances that cause a slick surface. Regarding the need of workers to elevate them in order to get items that are out of reach, proper step ladders or other climbing apparatus should be made easily available for worker use. Employees must be instructed on their proper use.

Stairs and Ramps

Wet or dry, stairs and ramps present an increased chance for trips and falls. There are several steps that can be taken to make stairs and ramps safer. They should be properly maintained to make sure that they are safe to use. Installation of solid handholds and railings are critical. It is very helpful to use any method that increases traction and visibility, such as treads, traction strips, contrast edging and slip resistant treatments.

Miscellaneous

Other issues can contribute to falls and should be properly handled, such as areas near sinks and, water fountains and water coolers. Fountains should be maintained to prevent pressure that causes water to overshoot and dampen surrounding floors. Mats should be kept on floors next to sinks to combat wet, slippery floors caused by overflows or spills. Workers should be trained to promptly report any hazardous conditions. Work procedures should require use of proper footwear, such as forbidding items such as sandals or flip-flops which are, inherently prone to cause trips and falls. When work processes call for them, require use of slip resistant and/or reinforced footwear.

Weather

A company’s sidewalks and parking lots can cause problems in many conditions, especially when cold and wet. It is important to keep these areas as clear as possible as well as free of slippery conditions. Examples include pathways that are blocked by accumulated snow, icy walkways, refreezing after initial treatment, slippery ramps or curbs.

The tasks are to be sure that all snow is properly cleared and surfaces are treated to prevent the formation of ice. Besides treating and clearing areas, it is also important to use periodic inspections to certify that conditions remain safe. If not, re-clearing and retreatment is necessary.

Wet conditions such as areas where melting or runoff water slicken paths or pools can cause dangerous falls. These are handled by making sure that walkways and lots are kept level and proper drainage exists. Downspouts should be placed correctly, eliminating chances that water affects walkways.

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