Why is it important to prevent slips, trips, and falls?

Each year there are millions of accidents and injuries that occur in the workplace. While most of them are relatively minor, there are also some very serious and even fatal accidents that occur. Preventing accidents is an important task that can not only keep employees safer, but also improve the productivity of the facility.

Very Common Accidents

While there are many different types of accidents that need to be addressed, some of the most common are slips, trips, and falls. Given the sheer number of incidents that occur within this category, it makes sense to take steps to try to prevent them to the extent possible.

Can Lead to More Serious Injuries

In most situations if someone just slips, trips, or falls it is going to be a relatively minor incident. If a person is carrying something, however, the accident can become much more serious. This type of issue can also be very dangerous if they are around chemicals, dangerous equipment, forklifts, ledges, or other things that can increase the risk.

Can Happen Anywhere

Unlike many other hazards that have specific locations associated with them, slips, trips, and falls can occur anywhere. They may be more likely to happen in certain areas or conditions, but it is always a possibility. The more you can do to reduce the risk in your facility, the safer everyone will be throughout the area.

Simple to Minimize the Risk

While it is impossible to eliminate the danger of a slip, trip, or fall, it is relatively easy to reduce the risk in many areas. By putting down traction tape in an area that is often slippery can be very helpful. Removing obstacles is another simple way to make things safer. Looking through an entire facility to identify potential slip, trip, and fall hazards will produce lots of ideas for improving safety.