Slips and trips are the most common cause of major injuries at work. Nearly 11 000 workers suffered serious injury as a result of a slip or trip in 2007 and it is estimated that a third of all reported major injuries are the result of slips and trips. Reducing this unnecessary injury toll is a priority.
Preventing accidents occurring is not difficult. Most slips happen in wet or contaminated conditions and many are due to poor housekeeping. The solutions to both are often simple and cost effective.
A suitable assessment of the risks should be undertaken to identify the necessary controls. These should include:
- Prevention of contamination
- Management of spillages and cleaning regimes
- Effective matting systems
- Choice of suitable footwear
- Design of workplace and work activities
- Maintenance of plant and the work environment
- Specification of appropriate flooring
- Housekeeping
- Effective training and supervision
The HSE is currently running a “Shattered Lives Campaign” to raise awareness of the problem. To find out more, visit the HSE website
http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/shatteredlives.htm