Slips, Trips and Falls

Unsafe work practices 

Close call with machine faults 

Slips, trips and falls 

It's always good to know that Slips, trips and falls can happen anywhere, at anytime and in any workplace.

They are the most common hazards in the workplace. This is because they put many workers at the risk of getting sprains, strains, cuts, bruises, among many other injuries. 

At worst, they can even lead to death especially in high risk occupations like construction. 

However, with adequate training, and safe work practices, employers can keep their personnel safe from these hazards.

For context,

A slip occurs when there is little or no traction or friction between the walking surface and your foot.

A trip occurs when your foot hits an object or when you step down to a lower uneven surface.

A fall occurs when you stumble or fall too far off your center balance.

Causes and risk factors 

-Uneven floor surfaces.

-Unsuitable floor coverings.

-Wet/slippery floors.

-Weather conditions e.g. rain, ice or snow 

-Trailing cables.

-Poor lighting.

-Poor housekeeping.

-Inadequate safety training 

Prevention 

-Maintain good housekeeping

-Ensure proper lighting

-Wear appropriate footwear

-Be mindful of your surroundings i.e. stay alert always 

Note that you can not prevent all these risk factors alone.

Preventing slips, trips and falls is a shared responsibility that requires the collective effort of both the employer and workers. And therefore by working together, we shall be able to create a safe working environment for everyone and significantly reduce the occurrence of these incidents. 

By working together also, we shall be able to nurture a culture of awareness towards personal safety and social responsibility.