Between workers comp expenses, lost-time, medical charges, and property damage, common slip, trip, and fall accidents can get expensive.
Here are some important tips to pass on to your workers:
Slips
- On slippery or wet surfaces, take short steps, walk with your feet turned outward slightly, and make wide turns at corners.
- Wear slip resistant shoes that are appropriate for the job.
- Clean up spills right away or mark the area with a sign. Report spills to the responsible department.
- Keep shoe soles clean and free of oil, mud and ice.
- Wear sunglasses around ice and snow on bright days.
Trips
- Walk only on designated pathways or walkways.
- Carry only loads you can see over.
- Keep work areas well lit and clean.
- Turn on the lights before entering a room.
- Move slowly where light is dim.
- Fix loose carpeting, stair treads or other surfaces in need of repair.
- Make sure staircase handrails are secure.
Falls
- Use a stepladder or extension ladder that is suitable for the job.
- Never use makeshift climbing equipment.
- Follow the one-to-four rule when using a ladder—set the base out from its support one foot for every four feet of working ladder height.
- Once on a ladder, don’t overreach. Keep your arms and legs as close as possible to your center of balance.
- Set the ladder on firm, stable ground.
- Be sure to raise an extension ladder three feet beyond its point of contact with the building.
- Never step on to the top rung of a ladder.
- Make sure the rungs of the ladder are secure and free of dirt or oil.