According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, trips and falls cause nearly 700 deaths a year and many more accidents involving workplace injuries. You can slip when you lose your balance, stumble when you catch your foot with something or in it, and fall when you fall suddenly. Spills, ice, snow, rain, loose floor mats, rugs, and ladders are some of the common causes of slips, trips and falls. In addition, poor lighting and clutter can cause injuries such as sprains, strains, bruises, bumps, fractures, scratches and cuts.
Many people attribute falls to being clumsy or not paying attention, but there are many risk factors. Risk factors include physical hazards in the environment, age-related problems, and health conditions. Reduce the risk and find the risks of falls in your workplace and home to avoid injuries and keep others safe 24 hours a day. There are many types of workplace hazards.
Slip and fall risks belong to the physical hazard category and are the most common among other categories: chemical, ergonomic and biological. A slip test can be performed to check the slip resistance of floors. This is one way to prevent hazards at work. Spills and slippery surfaces: When liquids (water or oil) and solids (dust or ice) cover a surface, they decrease the amount of traction it has and, therefore, facilitate slips and falls.
Visibility: This risk factor is usually combined with the two previous risk factors, since, if there are obstacles or slippery surfaces and you can't see them, you are likely to come into contact with them, increasing the risk of falling. Being familiar with these regulations can help you identify hazards and take steps to prevent slips, trips and falls in your workplace. If there is too little traction between the shoe and the walking surface, slips, trips and falls occur. In recognition of the prevalence of fall risks and the alarming statistics of injuries and deaths from falls, OSHA has issued several standards for industry in general and construction regarding the risks of falls in the workplace.
Falls from portable ladders (staggered, straight, combined and extended) are one of the leading causes of professional deaths and injuries. The employer must ensure the safety of workers and programs must be established to prevent injuries such as slips, trips, or falls.
