5 Ways to Avoid Slip-and-Fall Accidents in the Workplace

Slip-and-fall accidents are a common occurrence in the workplace, accounting for approximately 700 fatalities per year and serious injuries. Business owners can take steps to prevent these accidents from happening by proactively taking the following five steps:

Keep Pathways and Walkways Well-Lit

If your workplace is dimly lit, be sure to increase the lighting in key areas. This will help prevent slips and falls, especially during nighttime hours.

Train Employees on How to Safely Navigate the Workplace

Training can make all the difference in employee safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) department of the United States Department of Labor urges business owners to use the employee handout they created to teach the hazards of slips, trips and falls with their employees. OSHA provides great information on employee responsibility in preventing accidents along with steps they can take to avoid slip, trip, and fall hazards.

Identify Hazards

As a company, it is important to cater your training to the design and function of your unique workplace. Identify hazardous areas of your particular work environment and put up warning signs where necessary.

Document It

Following your training, use the OSHA Slips, Trips, and Falls Sign-Off  Sheet, or create your own, to document who participated in the training, what the training covered, and the date of the training. Having this information on file can help safeguard business owners from employee suits.

Use Nonslip Mats in Wet Areas

If your workplace has a lot of wet areas, be sure to use mats or flooring that will help reduce the risk of slipping. Nonslip mats can be purchased at most home improvement stores, and they’re a great way to add an extra layer of safety in busy areas.

Create a Shoe Policy

Shoe choice in an essential part of practicing fall prevention. Slip and fall accidents can often be prevented by wearing shoes with good traction. Encourage your employees to wear shoes that will help them stay safe while walking around the workplace. Shoes with good traction can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.

Create a company program for shoe purchase and/or reimbursement to help keep your business and your employees properly outfitted for safe working.

Encourage Employees to Report any Hazardous Conditions

Wet stairs are one example of a hazardous condition in the workplace, requiring caution when walking up or down them. Teach employees to report the presence of ice or snow on work staircases, make sure you have handrails, and emphasize the need to take time when navigating stairs.

Any hazardous areas at the workplace should be given immediate attention to help prevent slip-and-fall accidents. This may seem like common sense, but it’s important to keep a tidy work environment to minimize the risk of slips and falls. Make sure all walkways are clear of clutter and sweep or vacuum regularly to get rid of any potential hazards.

If you follow these tips, you can help reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents in your workplace. If you are an employee that has been a victim of a slip-and-fall accident at work, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the New Jersey injury attorneys at Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy today to receive the legal assistance you require.