Whether you’re the head chef in a busy kitchen or working in a warehouse, slips, trips and falls are the largest cause of accidents in all sectors. In addition to following your workplace's safety guidelines, there are some things you can do too. Here are some tips on preventing slips and trips at work.
- Identify Potential Dangers
- Take Relevant Measures
- Maintain a Clean Workplace
- Use Safety Signs and Labels
- Wear Safe Footwear
Identify Potential Dangers
The first step is to identify the most frequent causes of slips and trips. Trips can occur when the foot gets caught on something, so look out for obstructions like loose cords, cables and ropes which usually go unseen. This also includes debris, boxes, rugs, poor lighting, unmarked steps and uneven surfaces which can often be overlooked.
Next, identify some slip dangers as the issue isn’t always obstructed pathways. It could be the result of a loss of friction and traction with footwear. Spilt liquids on a floor, liquids that haven’t been cleaned up properly or even worn-down work shoes can also cause slips and trips.
When you identify the dangers, you can take the relevant safety measures and make everyone aware of them to ensure the risk of slips and trips at work are minimised.
Take Relevant Measures
Once you identify where slips and trips could potentially occur, it’s time to put practices in place so the workplace is safer for everyone. A good place to start is to conduct a risk assessment and then create documented policies for the workforce to follow. Creating a culture of safety ensures everyone will follow the procedures.
The best way to create a hazard-free environment is to keep the workplace clean, add slip-resistant mats and encourage the wearing of slip-resistant footwear. Taking these measures will reduce the likelihood of potential injuries.
Maintain a Clean Workplace
The first step to keeping a clean working environment is eliminating potential obstructions, like liquids. Basically, anything which might interfere with you or your employees’ ability to work safely. A big focus should be on cleaning equipment frequently and dealing with spills right away as good housekeeping can play a big part in preventing possible slips and trips at work.
Whether it’s oil in a kitchen, sawdust in a warehouse or cleaning liquid in a hotel, quickly and thoroughly cleaning up is essential to keeping a workplace safe. Here are some tips to help you maintain a safe and clean workspace:
- Keep floors and access routes clear of obstacles.
- Remove rubbish regularly so it doesn’t build up.
- During cleaning and maintenance, make sure you don’t create new slip and trip hazards.
- Clean up spills immediately using appropriate methods.
- Use warning signs where necessary, such as when the floor is wet.
- Remove obstructions where possible. If you can’t, use relevant warning signs.
- Make sure cables are hidden and use overs to securely fix them to surfaces.
A clean workplace helps ensure employee safety which can reduce the chances of taking time off work through potential injuries.
Use Safety Signs and Labels
Sometimes, slips and trips can occur simply because of insufficient markings. It might be a step up from the loading dock to the warehouse or clear liquids which might not be seen right away. Bright, clear and informative markings, signs and labels can help overcome accidental slips and trips.
By marking these potential hazards, it lets everyone know to avoid certain areas so they can continue working safely. Although, make sure the signs are also clearly labelled so everybody knows what they mean.
Wear Safe Footwear
One of the smartest ways to prevent slips and trips at work is to ensure you wear slip-resistant footwear that meets relevant shoe tread recommendations. To find a brand that’s serious about safety and the effectiveness of their products, look for their slip-resistance test results.
When looking for footwear, take into account whether the style you like is slip-resistant and features slip-resistant outsoles. These give you the traction and support to stay safe and on your feet - even if the floor is wet. But don’t just stop there. Along with slip-resistance capabilities, look for technology which eliminates potential trip hazards and protect your feet from liquids.
As well as the above, make sure they’re durable, comfortable and easy-to-clean. As slippery floors, dropped objects and tripping hazards can all lead to avoidable injuries, ensure your choice of slip-resistant footwear has been awarded relevant safety certifications.
If you choose the right shoe and supplier, think of them as an investment that will lead to safer shifts at work.
These types of shoes are different from your usual high-street trainer so if you need a little more help finding shoes which will prevent slips and trips at work, we have the perfect guide for you.
How to Pick Slip-Resistant Shoes for Your Role
In our comprehensive buying guide, you’ll have the information you need to select the right shoe to suit your role. Whether you’re working in the kitchen, on the restaurant floor, behind the bar or in a hotel, we’ve identified the hazards so you can work out exactly what you need and which shoes are best suited to your job role.
To get your copy, click the link below.