Q & A September '09
September 1st 2009 I know that slips,
trips and falls are one
of the biggest causes of
serious injuries in the
workplace.
What steps should I take
to manage these risks
within my business?
According to the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE), every month over a
thousand people suffer serious injuries
as a result of slips, trips or falls in the
workplace, which makes this by far
the single biggest cause of serious
injuries such as broken bones.
The risk of slips and trips tends to
be greater at the start of the day,
during lunchtimes and in the early
evening as this is when most people
will be going in and out of the
premises. The risk of slipping should
be assessed and plans and procedures
drawn up to manage the risk.
Alarmingly, the HSE reports that
50% of all trips are caused by bad
house-keeping, with flooring having a
significant impact on the risk of
slipping.
However, paying particular
attention to equipment can prevent
falls, for instance making sure
employees use the right type of ladder
or fixed platform. By monitoring
behaviour and the environment,
serious accidents can be avoided.
Depending on the industry, floor
surfaces should be suitable for the type
of work that is being carried out. For
example, non-slip floors should be in
place, in catering environments. If a
floor surface cannot be kept dry, it
should be sufficiently rough so that
people have less chance of slipping,
regardless of any liquids that may be
on the surface. Preventing liquid
escape, fixing leaks and cleaning up
spills immediately will improve the
risk.
Walkways should be kept clear,
removing any tools, equipment,
trailing cables, hoses or other
obstructions. Floors should be kept
tidy and businesses should ensure that
there are enough bins and storage
space available.
Other issues such as low lighting,
icy conditions or rain water walked
into the workplace can lead to
injuries. Good size mats should be
fitted at the entrance to a building.
Another key factor influencing the
number of slips, trips and falls is
footwear. Ensure that employees,
including those who work outside or
in wet areas and cold stores have
suitable footwear.
But most of all, make sure
employees have a sensible attitude to
health and safety as this can also
drastically reduce the number of
accidents. Behaviour can result in
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Online poll results:August
With continued uncertainty over whether Swine flu will
strike more seriously Autumn, we asked whether you
consider Swine Flu to be a serious threat to your
business?
Results:
No, we will deal with it if and when it affects us 28.04%
Yes, and we have a contingency plan in place 33.18%
No, it seems to be a lot of fuss about nothing 23.13%
Yes, it has already affected our business 15.65%
This month's online poll
A new report from The European Agency for Health and
Safety at Work (EU-OSHA) suggests the economic
advantages of having a strong health and safety policy are
not being fully recognised, particularly among SMEs. We
asked whether you think there is an economic advantage in
implementing a health & safety policy effectively?
Yes
No
Not sure
Vote now at www.hsmsearch.com
many serious slips and trips. For
instance when people run, the risk is
greatly increased. Training people in
safe behaviours and monitoring them
to make sure bad habits do not return
is key to controlling risk.
Andrew Couch is a consultant for
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