Workplace slip-and-fall accidents are more common than you might think. Slips, trips, and falls account for 26% of all non-fatal workplace injuries. Furthermore, slip-and-fall accidents are responsible for more than 700 deaths each year, according to OSHA.
1. To Prevent Slip-and-Fall Accidents, Ensure Safety in Design
Limiting the hazards in the workplace during design is the first step to avoiding slip-and-fall accidents on the job. There are a few design strategies you can use to prevent your workplace from becoming a magnet for slip-and-fall accidents.
- Make sure that entryways have non-slip mats.
- Make sure there is enough lighting in your work area, walkways, and other areas.
- Use reflective material or colors to mark steps and ramps.
- Follow OSHA guidelines regarding railings, covers, boards, and so on.
2. To Avoid a Slip and Fall Accident, Create Safe Procedures
Any place can have a slip-and-fall accident. This includes classrooms, offices, and construction sites. To ensure a safe environment, it is important to create OSHA-compliant processes. A few examples include:
- Properly venting exhaust fumes and dust particles.
- Make sure you check for any loose wires or cords that could cause unsafe walking conditions.
3. Keep Your Property Clean to Reduce Slip and Fall Hazards
Even if your workplace designs a safe environment and creates safe processes, all efforts are subject to failure without a housekeeping/groundskeeping force in place.
4. Preparation for Any Kinds of Weather
Any workplace can be exposed to dangerous conditions from snow, rain, or any other weather. Every employee should be taught the best practices for any climate conditions. Every business should have a plan to deal with rain, snow, hail, and other hazards.
5. Employees Should Be Regularly Trained to Avoid Slip and Fall Accidents
Employees can become so focused on their jobs that they forget about safety procedures. Safety training must be provided to employees at onboarding and throughout their employment. They are more likely than others to be involved in slip-and-fall accidents.
This article was written by Alla Tenina. Alla is a top Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyer, and the founder of Tenina Law. She has experience in bankruptcies, real estate planning, and complex tax matters. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; the ABA and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
