Did you know that slips, trips, and falls make up about 25% of all work-related injuries in the U.S.? They’re not just minor mishaps, they’re the second leading cause of workplace fatalities and send over one million workers to the emergency room every year.
Let’s Break It Down: Slips, Trips, and Falls Are All Different.
- Slips: Happen when your feet lose grip thanks to wet floors, grease, or polished surfaces that are sneakier than they look.
- Trips: Occur when your foot meets an unexpected obstacle, and gravity decides to betray you.
- Falls: The grand finale of a slip or trip, sometimes happening from a height, sometimes straight to the ground.
If it’s messy, wet, or cluttered, it’s a trip hazard waiting to happen.
- Secure mats, rugs, and carpets so they don’t slide around like a bad magic trick.
- Clean up spills immediately and figure out why it happened in the first place.
- Keep walkways clear of cords, tools, and random stuff that doesn’t belong there.
- Use wet floor signs when needed, but don’t leave them out for decoration.
- Fix loose boards, exposed nails, or broken flooring before they turn into a lawsuit.
- Cover floor openings because nobody wants to fall through a hole.
See Something Unsafe? Say Something.
If you spot a hazard:
- Warn your coworkers before someone tests their reflexes.
- Block off the area if it’s a serious risk.
- Fix it if you can, or report it to someone who can.
Even if it’s just a near-miss, report it. Every report helps make the workplace safer.
Lighting Matters: Because You Can’t Avoid What You Can’t See.
- Keep work areas, staircases, and hallways well-lit, dim lighting hides dangers.
- Replace burnt-out bulbs immediately, no excuses.
- Keep light switches accessible and not hidden behind a pile of junk.
- Adjust to changing light conditions, take off your sunglasses before walking inside.
Uneven, Slippery, or Cluttered Floors? That’s an Accident Waiting to Happen.
- Watch for sudden changes in floor levels, like sneaky steps or ramps.
- Keep cords and tools out of walkways because tripping over them isn’t fun.
- Report loose stair treads, broken pavement, or uneven floors before someone faceplants.
- Fix wet or oily floors ASAP, slip ‘n slides belong at water parks, not the workplace.
- Wear the right shoes because flip-flops won’t cut it on a slippery floor.
Falls from Stairs and Ladders Happen When People Get Too Comfortable.
Stair Safety 101
- Always use handrails, because your balance isn’t as great as you think.
- Keep your vision clear, don’t carry something so big you can’t see your feet.
- Slow down, running up or down stairs is a bad idea.
Ladder Safety Basics
- Only trained workers should use ladders, this isn’t a free-for-all.
- Inspect rungs and rails for damage before climbing.
- Tag broken ladders as unsafe, don’t let anyone else take the risk.
- Maintain three points of contact at all times.
- Set ladders on stable, non-slip surfaces, not on something wobbly.
Carrying Heavy Stuff? Do It Right.
- Use proper lifting techniques to keep your balance.
- Clear your path before moving heavy items, don’t trip over obstacles mid-carry.
- Never carry more than you can see over, if you can’t see your feet, it’s too much.
- Use carts or get help for heavy or awkward loads.
- Push, don’t pull, carts for better control and visibility.
Your Footwear Can Make or Break Your Safety.
When picking work shoes, consider:
- Your work environment, are you on slippery tile, rough concrete, or wet surfaces?
- Slip-resistant soles, your shoes should grip, not slide.
- Extra protection, some jobs require reinforced toes or specific footwear.
Want More Safety Smarts? Let’s Talk Surfaces.
Your floors, stairs, and workspaces can either keep you safe or send you tumbling. Learn how to prevent hazards before they happen in the Workplace Surfaces: Hazard Prevention and Safety Training Course.
Expand Your Knowledge with Slips, Trips, and Falls Training.
This guide gives you the essentials, but there’s always more to learn. Make your workplace safer and keep your feet where they belong, on the ground. Enroll in the Slips, Trips, and Falls Training Course today.
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