Page 46 - OHS, September 2024

SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
Proactive Steps to Identify and Reduce Slips,Trips and Falls
Proactively identifying and addressing the causes of slips, trips, and falls reduces injuries, prevents financial losses and fosters a culture of safety.
BY DAN ANKNEY
In any workplace environment — whether a storefront, manu- facturing plant, or loading dock — the risk of slips, trips and falls is a constant concern. These incidents can lead to injury, loss in production and costly fines. Reducing these risks re-
quires not only constant vigilance but also proactively putting mea- sures in place to address them. With a proactive mindset, organiza- tions can foster safer working environments, prevent injuries and develop a culture of responsibility.
Slips, trips and falls at the entrances and customer-facing ar- eas are top concerns for many EHS members. However, “back of house” operations — where leaks and spills are common — also raise significant safety concerns for the employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, trips and falls are the third most common type of workplace injury behind overexertion and bodily reaction as well as contact with objects and equipment. This high occurrence of incidences results in substantial financial loss. Fines from OSHA, workers’ compensation claims and lost work time/production can all result from an injury.
■ The maximum OSHA fine for a serious violation is $15,625 per offense.
■ The average workers’ compensation claims for a slip, trip or fall incident can be as high as $50,000.
■ Indirect costs like reduced productivity or lost work time can also be associated.
Let’s identify the top two contributors to slips, trips, and falls and discuss the most common causes of these hazards, how to identify them, and the proactive measures organizations can take to overcome them.
Wet or Slippery Surfaces
Wet or slippery surfaces are one of the most common contributors to slip injuries. Common causes of this hazard can include acciden- tal spills, leaking/spraying equipment, rain/snow events or improp- erly maintained textured walkway surfaces. During your routine inspections, there are several considerations to help identify these problems early and implement solutions before an incident occurs.
44 Occupational Health & Safety | SEPTEMBER 2024
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