#Workplace Safety
By Team Seaglass
Controlling Slip, Trip, Falls
Each year, nearly 200,000 Americans suffer from slip/fall injuries. Sadly, approximately 80% of those injuries are serious enough to result in lost time from work. Same-level falls are a leading cause of work-related injuries. Slipping on floors is a primary reason for same-level falls, but what causes the “slipping” can be from many different sources.
In the majority of slip/fall injuries, it’s not the floor type that contributes to the fall. More likely than not, the culprit is the floor’s condition. Uneven surfaces, fluids, residue build-up form organic compounds and ineffective cleaning processes can cause poor floor traction. Workplace safety culture and employee decision-making also play critical roles in managing slip/falls. Listed below are some tips for developing a Workplace Slip/Fall Prevention Program in your workplace.
Slip/Fall Assessment Program
Identify key areas that may be prone to slip/fall risks, and develop an audit process to monitor conditions regularly. Pay attention to lighting, pathway access, clutter/housekeeping, uneven surfaces, functional floor matting, and unwiped spills. Establish an “immediate spill cleanup” procedure; isolate and block access to hazard zones that may require a delayed resolution. Routine evaluation of workplace conditions can identify hazards before they result in injury.
Floor Cleaning & Maintenance
Traction is referred to as the amount of friction existing between two surfaces. The higher the Coefficient of Friction (COF), the better the grip. Floor traction can be measured using a Tribometer to confirm the floor’s rating. There are many options available for improving floor traction, but the key is to determine the source of the problem. Evaluate your current cleaning routine and consider necessary changes (solution extraction is always better than wet mop/air dry). If necessary, consider temporary and permanent floor treatments such as etching, non-skid floor coatings and paints.
Footwear Policy
While a personalized floor cleaning process is critical for maintaining slip resistant floors, it is impossible to prevent “ALL” spills from occurring. After all, we are “human”. While we will make every effort to identify and remove spills promptly, there will be times when residue cannot be completely eliminated. That’s where slip resistant shoes play an important role. Slip resistant shoes should not be considered the sole solution for slip/falls. Rather, slip resistant shoes should accompany a good floor cleaning maintenance program. Like floors, most slip resistant shoes are made to specific COF standards. In general, a COF of 0.40 or higher is suggested.
Employee Awareness & Training
Everything that’s been mentioned so far has to do with managing the “physical” hazards of slip, trip, falls. But the truth of the matter is… our state of mind has a lot to do with our actions. Rushing, distraction, frustration, fatigue, and complacency play contributing roles in our decision-making. Employee training helps employers establish staff expectations and helps employees understand personal risks and responsibilities. Frequent communication, staff huddles, and daily affirmations will encourage staff to make good decisions. To make the most of your program, make sure your staff training inspires a safe workplace culture shared with corporate and individual responsibilities for safety.