Sometimes, slipping or tripping over something is a minor mishap and causes embarrassment if anyone sees it. What you may not realize is that slips, trips and falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries.
Understanding the causes and prevention strategies can help create a safer work environment for everyone.
Significant impact on workers’ comp claims
Slips, trips and falls contribute to approximately 20% of workers’ compensation claims. These incidents can occur in any workplace but are more prevalent in service-providing industries.
These accidents can result in serious injuries, such as:
- Fractures
- Muscle sprains, strains, or tears
- Traumatic brain injuries
They also often require the worker to take time off from work for recovery.
While exact causes can vary between industries, some common ones include:
- Wet or oily surfaces
- Loose or unanchored rugs or mats
- Changes in walking surfaces, such as moving from rug to laminate flooring
- Cluttered work areas
- Poor lighting
- Uncovered cabling and cords stretched across the floor
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Changes in elevation
Employers play a critical role in preventing workplace slips, trips and falls. They are responsible for providing a safe work environment for their staff. Preventative actions may consist of the following:
- Performing risk assessments to identify unsafe conditions
- Implementing and training staff on housekeeping procedures, such as regularly cleaning the floor and keeping walkways clear
- Providing adequate lighting
- Using signage to alert employees to potential hazards
- Providing employees with a way to report slip, trip or fall hazards to their employer
- Require staff to wear non-slip footwear
Even with safety precautions in place, workplace accidents can still happen. Fortunately, workers’ compensation helps cover medical expenses and lost wages, so the employee can fully recover without worrying about financial instability.
