A Guide to Prevent Slips Falls and Trips in the Workplace

Jul 15, 2015 | WC & Other Laws

A Guide to Prevent Slips Falls and Trips in the Workplace – Accidents could happen to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Accidents causing injuries like slips, falls, and trips are very common in the workplace. In fact, according to recent data by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics and the US Department of Labor, slips, falls, and trips contributed to 296,130 cases and over 1.2 million cases in the total private, state, and local government workplaces. It also has an incidence rate of 27.9 and averages about 11 days away from work resulting from these accidents. Financially, it would cost $40,000 per incident.

Due to the huge amount of incidents related to slips, falls, and trips, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an agency of the US Department of Labor, aims to tighten and raise the standards on walking-working surfaces by providing certain guidelines to employers. Employers who fail to comply with this set of guidelines for the safety and protection of the workers would be fined by the OSHA.

Guidelines to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace

Make a complete assessment of the workplace or facility.

Locate the areas that are prone to slips, trips, and falls incidents. Always practice good housekeeping methods that would make the workplace more organized and clean. It would be an indicator that the safety program implemented is effective.

Mark uneven surfaces and walkways.

To provide warning to uneven surfaces and to guide passageways, use floor tape, specifically reflective tape, on areas having different types of lighting. Mark certain areas for the placement of equipment and tools to avoid disorganized arrangements that would cause slips, trips, and fall incidents.

Keep all surfaces clean and dry where possible.

Poorly maintained surfaces are the most common causes of slips, trips, and fall incidents. To prevent incidents like these, make sure that all surfaces are properly maintained. Provide traction on slippery surfaces and add anti-skid tape (yellow and black stripes) with warning signs.

Post safety labels and signs.

These safety signs would give initial information and warnings on a certain area to prevent accidents. Make sure that the signs are highly visible and readable with some pictographs to provide more information. Check if these signs do not have poor lighting.

Employees’ awareness

Employers should ensure that the workers are well informed and trained regarding safety and protection around the facility or workplace. Provide seminars and training. Their awareness and training in this matter are vital to the prevention of slips, trips, and fall accidents.

Related: If a Colorado Worker Slips But Doesn’t Fall Down – Can They Get Injured?

Contact a reputable Denver workers’ compensation attorney

In case of injuries related to these, workers could also file complaints to a Greeley workers’ compensation attorney or a Denver disability lawyer after receiving medical attention from a physician to obtain benefits and compensations according to the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. Compensation and benefits include free medical service and support, wage replacement, and temporary disability benefits on authorized and approved claims.

We’re here to help.

Have you or a loved one suffered a workplace injury in Colorado? At Kaplan Morrell, we’re here to support you. Our expert team is just a call or text away at 970-356-9898. You can also easily reach out to a member of our Workers’ Compensation Claim team through our chat feature right here.

Rest assured, every consultation with us is not only free but also held in the strictest confidence. Let Kaplan Morrell guide you toward the peace of mind and benefits you deserve.

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