Workers in Maryland face a number of slipping hazards throughout their work day. Whether it’s the elements icing up a parking lot or improperly-placed cables acting as a hurdle, the potential for falling or slipping accidents exist everywhere. This is why it’s so important for workers to know what actions they can take to limit their risks.
Reliable Plant lists six guidelines that can be used to help prevent tripping and slipping accidents at work. This includes maintenance tips like reducing the amount of slippery surfaces in the workplace and avoiding clutter, especially in areas that get a lot of foot traffic. They also stress the importance of keeping a working space lit properly, as it’s harder to trip when a person can see their surrounding clearly. Some measure of “housekeeping” is needed as well, to make sure that the work space stays well-organized and tidy.
The National Safety Council has an entire brochure dedicated to the prevention of trips, slips and falls. They state that the latter in particular is ranked third for unintentional deaths in the United States, making it both a widespread and potentially deadly problem. They suggest getting rid of mats without grip, keeping cabinet drawers closed, and ensuring that all spaces with stairs or slopes have the adequate number of handrails or walking supports.
Tripping and falling at work may be tragically common. However, it’s also quite easy to work toward preventing these accidents. With the right knowledge and care, any workplace can be altered so slip-and-fall accidents are much less frequent.