The most general industry incidents involve slips, trips, and falls. Such accidents can be a result of a lapse of attention, quality of the floor, or even incorrect footwear.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, slips, trips, and falls make up most of the general industry accidents, which account for:
- 15% of all accidental deaths per year, the second-leading cause behind motor vehicles
- About 25% of all reported injury claims per fiscal year
- More than 95 million lost work days per year — about 65% of all work days lost
These general industry incidents can easily be prevented.
Preventing slips, trips, and falls
Housekeeping is the most important part of preventing slips, trips, and falls in the workplace. If your facility’s housekeeping habits are poor, it is a good indication that the overall safety program is not effective.
Poor housekeeping and safety programs can lead to serious injuries to employees which can, in turn, reduce production and morale. Good housekeeping can create safe work environments that can help reduce workers’ comp claim frequency and severity.
Some ways to create a safe work environment and prevent slips, trips, and falls are:
- Establish and create good housekeeping and organizational practices throughout the facility
- Keep walkways and employee working areas free of cords, hoses, boxes, tools, equipment, and all trip-related hazards
- Ensure that walkways are clear of slippery environmental hazards including, water, ice, snow, excess wet leaves, and oil or grease
- Make certain that employees have proper footwear that is in good condition with adequate tread and minimal wear
- Verify that all work areas have proper lighting that allows employees to see any items that may be in walkways, stairwells, closets, or basements.
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