Year after year, slips, trips, and falls account for 1 in 5 lost-time workplace injuries in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. As an employer, there are several steps you can take to help prevent these incidents.
Good housekeeping practices are an easy way to reduce the risks of slips, trips, and falls:
- Don’t leave slipping hazards on the floor! Clean them as soon as they happen, and be sure to mark wet floors.
- Clear walking paths of any debris, obstacles, or clutter.
- Loose carpets, rugs, and mats create ideal conditions for tripping. Secure them to the floor so they lay flat and even.
- Cover any cables that may cross the floor. Cables and cords may not seem like major hazards, but with a split second of distraction, it can cause a painful fall.
- Ensure areas where ice can build up are sanded to prevent slips. Keep in mind these areas can become covered with new snow that will mask slippery conditions.
To avoid falls, workers need to see where they are going. Make sure there is adequate lighting in the workplace and immediately replace burned-out light bulbs or defective switches. Think about using head lamps when outdoor light conditions are low.
Improving flooring is another way to minimize these risks. Recoating walking surfaces, and installing mats or abrasive strips will improve traction, and reduce the occurrences of slips.
To learn more about slips, trips, and falls and how to prevent them, visit WSCC’s Safety Spotlight webpage.
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