In the United States, the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims is slip and fall accidents. While you may never prevent every slip and fall accident, you can undoubtedly provide a safer working environment for yourself and others to reduce the risk. The next time you head to work, keep the following tips in mind to prevent yourself from becoming a statistic.
Eliminate Slippery Surfaces
The National Floor Safety Institute states that in around 85% of all slip and fall accidents, slick flooring was the leading cause. Many personal injury attorneys have seen this situation play out time again in a courtroom. It’s the job of these injury attorneys to establish the cause of the slip and fall incident and determine who is to blame.
Whether you are the manager, owner, or employee, you can put steps in place to significantly reduce the risk of slippery surfaces causing a slip and fall accident in the future. Ensure someone is in charge of checking to the floor and cleaning up spills immediately after they happen.
Improve Lighting
Businesses are required to have insurance to protect themselves, their staff, and their customers. However, you can provide protection in other ways – by eliminating or reducing hazards around the workplace. Lighting is an excellent place to begin. By replacing burnt-out bulbs and keeping all areas of the building well-lit, you may be able to prevent people from harming themselves on obstacles they can’t see.
Remove Obstacles
Something as insignificant as rubbish in a doorway can lead to a costly court case and workers’ compensation claim. Keep all aisles and exits free of boxes, clutter, trash, and other obstacles that could cause people to trip, fall, and injure themselves.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
Many workplaces have uniforms and attire codes that ensure you are wearing the safest clothing for the job. However, some of those codes don’t extend to footwear. It’s crucial to wear shoes that suit the tasks you are carrying out. For example, high heels in a work environment that requires you to be on your feet all day may not be the most suitable choice and may even lead to heel pain. If you work with heavy machinery or in a hazardous industry, steel-toe boots with an extra sole grip can be a wise option.
Install Signage
Most workers come to know the hazards in their workplace, such as a section of uneven ground or a crack in the concrete. Visitors or new employees to the workplace may not and can end up as a slip and fall victim as a result. Address hazards you can’t fix immediately with hazard warning signs. These can be as simple as a graphic and warning to show a gap or step that requires care.
While personal injury attorneys are there to help if you have been the victim of a slip and fall incident, it can save a great deal of pain and suffering if you can prevent them from happening in the first place. Take note of these tips above, and you may be able to make your workplace a far safer place to visit and work in.
