Slips, Trips and Falls
In 2021, workplace falls killed more than 5,000 people and injured another 90,000 people. For every serious injury employees lost an average of 31 days. Companies in the transportation industry are higher than this trend.
There are a number of variables that contribute to frequency and severity of slips, trips and falls. These include slippery or deteriorated walking services, improper construction or poor design of walking surfaces, and human factors. Some of these variables are more controllable than others – here are some of the solutions.
- Consider walking surfaces when remodeling or during new construction. Avoid terrazzo, glazed ceramic tile, marble and granite. Place carpets down on these entry areas to avoid slips in wet weather.
- Identify and correct significant differentials in surface continuity. Falls frequently occur when you must change your gait or stride. (example; change in surface from a ramp or walkboard, to a regular surface. Or the bumper stops in parking lots that you may be required to step over.) Make these transitions as flat as possible.
- Identify and correct significant height differentials. As little as 1/4” can cause a trip and fall. Carpet to tile, tile to carpet, defects in carpet, computer cords all cause tripping hazards. Eliminate or reduce these hazards whenever possible.
- Reduce the hazards in vehicles and equipment. Install anti-slip coatings or tape on steps of vehicles. Make sure handles are secure and available for climbing in and out of vehicles. Keep cargo area neat and orderly. Keep straps and furniture pads neatly and securely removed from the main traffic areas.
- Develop a planned maintenance program. Determine your maintenance needs for cleaning and providing safe walking surfaces, including warehouse, office, walkboards and trailers. Make sure employees know their responsibility in keeping work areas clean and reporting spills that can cause a tripping hazard.
- Review the footwear of employees. Make sure all employees are wearing non-skid shoes with adequate ankle support. Good footwear can improve traction and reduce falls.
- Reduce falls by installing signs or bright paint around stairs, ramps, or other surface changes. Stairways should have adequate railings, proper riser and tread depth and proper tread friction. Aluminum tread edges can improve slippery stairs.
Whatever occupation you’re in, be sure to take the proper precautions when in your work environment and be sure to speak up if you see areas around your work environment that could be deemed unsafe.
Written By: Brandon Laam
Brandon has been an Underwriter in the Transportation industry for over 6 years. After having a hand in the creation of a start-up MGA, he ended up finding his niche within the Moving & Storage industry. Outside of the office Brandon likes to fish, hike, kayak, garden and read.