Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace
Slips, trips and falls have the potential to be a major cause of injury for your employees and visitors to your premises. There is a common misconception that slip and fall injuries “just happen” and that there is little that can be done to prevent them.
Slips, trips and falls are a major cause of workplace injuries. Unsafe conditions and behaviors, along with a lack of safety awareness, can lead to these types of accidents.
Slips, trips and falls: 15% of all accidents*
Slips, trips and falls on the same level are the 2nd leading cause of injury**
25,000 slip, trip and fall accidents occur daily in the US*
*National Safety Council
**Bureau of Labor Statistics
The potential for slips, trips and falls can be widespread, but it is important to understand where, on your premises, the greatest potential for danger lies.
Some hazards associated with slip, trip and fall injuries include:
- Slippery surfaces, such as a gloss-finished tile, polished stone, etc.
- Holes or broken surfaces.
- Uneven walking surfaces.
- Poorly marked and/or poorly lit walkway transitions.
- Wet surfaces caused by spills or poor drainage.
- Slippery conditions due to mud, ice or water during inclement weather.
Creating a Safe Passage
Routine inspection and maintenance should be a regular part of your safety program to help prevent falls for both your visitors and employees.
- Design your entrances and walkways to accommodate the expected volume of foot traffic through your business.
- Conduct periodic walkthrough surveys of your premises to help ensure your property is kept in safe condition.
- Ensure all walkways are properly lit.
- Maintain all flooring surfaces at all times.
- Use slip-resistant floor treatments, especially in areas proven to be wet.
- Apply floor treatments according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use “wet floor” signs to warn of known hazards.
- Schedule maintenance of floor surfaces during times of low traffic.
- Have spill cleanup supplies readily available.
- Ensure that entry areas are properly maintained and any mats are secured.
- Promptly investigate incidents and document findings if an accident and/or injury occurs.
Complete Reporting Can Aid in Prevention
In the event of an incident, be sure that it is documented and reported. This information can help prevent future incidents and may be essential if a claim against the company is filed. A standard, printed incident report is helpful in ensuring that all details are recorded.
- Document all details of the incident.
- Collect the names of the victims and witnesses.
- Record victims' and witnesses' accounts.
- Take photographs of the incident site – slips, trips and falls do not "just happen."
At Travelers, we understand the risks and provide strategies that our customers can implement to help prevent slips, trips and falls on their premises.
PREVENTING SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS IN THE WORKPLACE
Did you know?
Nearly 27% of all accidents are slips, trips and falls.1
12 DAYS Average number of days workers missed from slips, trips and falls.2
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT THEM?
1 Look out for common hazards and identify problem spots.
Surfaces can become slippery from bad weather, poor drainage, spills or other contaminants such as sand or mulch. Walkways pose risks when their surfaces have holes or changes in elevation greater than a quarter of an inch, as well as when walkway transitions are poorly marked or not well lit
2 Create safe passage with well-maintained surfaces throughout your workplace.
Entrances, walkways & floors should have proper lighting and clear paths of travel. These areas should be inspected regularly for surface contaminants such as water or natural debris. “Wet floor” signs and cleanup supplies should be readily available.
3 Report all incidents.
Document all details of the incident, including the names of the injured person and any witnesses and their accounts of what happened. Take photographs of the incident site and, if possible, the footwear worn by the injured person.
Share this infographic with your colleagues to help them #HarnessRisk
Visit travelers.com/resources/workplace-safety for more workplace safety tips for your business.
1https://stats.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/case/osch0058.pdf
2https://stats.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/case/osch0058.pdf
The Travelers Indemnity Company and its property casualty affiliates. One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183
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This material does not amend, or otherwise affect, the provisions or coverages of any insurance policy or bond issued by Travelers. It is not a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy or bond. Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss, all applicable policy or bond provisions, and any applicable law. Availability of coverage referenced in this document can depend on underwriting qualifications and state regulations.
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