Slips, trips, and falls are some of the biggest hazards in the workplace. Data from 2016 reveals that more than 48,000 workers had to take time off due to injuries sustained as a result of trips and falls.
Employers are responsible for the safety of their workplace environments. Failing to adhere to health and safety standards could lead to costly legal action and severe internal disruption.
Install Proper Signage in Problem Areas
The fact is that many common injuries could be avoided by installing proper signage. Uneven ground, sudden steps, and loose rocks are just some of the hazards that could be highlighted through proper signage.
In some cases, it may also be useful to install reflective tape together with a sign. This provides an additional way to point out hazards, particularly during nighttime hours.
Make Your Workplace a Well-Lit One
Corporate offices are especially guilty of forgetting about appropriate lighting in external environments. Both internal and external environments should have the right type of lighting.
Darker environments are hazardous to all employees, particularly to those with poor eyesight. Illuminated steps and spotlights are just some of the solutions to this problem.
And make sure you replace broken light bulbs quickly.
Manage Electrical Cords
The average business has more electrical cords than ever before. Make an effort to run these behind heavy objects or underneath carpets to remove a prominent trip hazard from the workplace.
When installing new hardware, make sure to notify all employees of any temporary obstacles they may encounter during work.
Remove Slippery Surfaces
Tiled and hardwood floors can quickly become a menace as water is tracked into your building and minor spills occur.
Look for non-slip surfaces and install them within your workplace. In the event you don’t have access to these yet, proper signage during cleaning is essential.
Additionally, you should clean up any spills quickly.
Find out more about what to do if you find yourself dealing with a personal injury in the workplace here: https://www.dsslaw.com/personal-injury-attorney/slip-falls/
Have a Comprehensive Health and Safety Policy in Place
It’s important to make your employees aware of potential hazards and how to avoid them. You can’t watch everyone every minute of the day. Don’t treat them like children, train them to keep their colleagues safe.
Health and safety are a company-wide effort. Sit down with all employees and discuss the importance of health and safety, plus what they can do to make the workplace a safer environment for everyone.
Many employees in any workplace will be so-called ‘digital natives’’, says David Rowland, the head of marketing Engage EHS. ‘Therefore, your workplace strategies should reflect this’. As such, health and safety software could be the ideal choice for administering your health and safety needs, as it will resonate more with a large number of your employees.
Last Word – Did You Experience a Slip, Trip, or Fall in the Workplace?
Were you involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault?
You’re entitled to help. That’s why you should always contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
A lawyer can help you to manage your case and help you determine whether you’re entitled to any financial compensation for your injuries. The longer you delay the harder it is to get justice.