In some jobs the dangers are more obviously serious. If you're a factory hand working with heavy machinery, or a scientist handling hazardous materials, or a fire fighter entering burning buildings, then the dangers are obvious and adequate training is given as a matter of course. The hazards of working in an office may be less obvious, but are still there and proper training still needs to be given. For most of us some of the greatest dangers lie in wait for us as we walk across the office!
Statistics show that you are actually most likely to have an accident at work slipping, tripping or falling. The “major injury” statistics held by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that each year around half of all major injuries to employees are caused by slipping, tripping and falling. Last year the figure rose to 57%, with 43 fatalities. The HSE statistics also show that the rate of injury increases steadily with age.
There are two keys things to keep in mind if you are to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. First, it is vitally important that one remains aware of the potential dangers that exist in one's environment. Second, each employee must take personal responsibility for their actions. Once on top of these two, prevention is an almost automatic outcome. A workplace accident is usually caused by something which could have easily been avoided. When the problems are so basic, training is simple, important and highly effective.
It’s not rocket science. Really good training is clear and simple to understand. The causes of slips, trips and falls are highlighted and explained in such a way that the information is retained. Training needs to reinforce the message that we must responsibility for all those hazards we come across and not just those we cause ourselves. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Section 7 - General duties of employees at work says “It shall be the duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work”
So what should your slips, trips and falls training realistically cover?
Good housekeeping is probably the most fundamental requirement. This covers a range of responsibilities. Clean up anything dropped or spilt, as a third of major slips and trips happen on wet surfaces. Clear warning signs should be put in place until this is done. All walkways have to be kept clear, with particular attention given to areas with the heaviest footfall (e.g. stairs and entrances). Make sure areas are well-lit. Ensure floors and floor coverings are not a trip hazard. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 when talking about the conditions of floors state that (2a) “…the floor shall have no hole or slope or be uneven or slippery so as to expose any person to a risk to his health and safety; and (3) every floor in a workplace shall be kept free from obstructions and from any article or substance which may cause a person to slip, trip or fall”
The time was that a paper cut was the greatest risk posed by office equipment. Times have changed and the digital revolution has wrought many wonders. But it has also brought new dangers, as cables litter the floors and walls of so many workplaces. Precautions should be taken in order to ensure people do not slip, trip or fall on them. So-called “raceways” can be used to cover up and secure cables to the floor, reducing trip hazards. Many modern office desks are fitted with grommets through which cables can be passed, so they’re not left hanging down the back of desks.
Accidents can also be caused by personal factors. Tiredness, feeling unwell, hurrying, complacency, distraction are all common causes. How many people do you see walking and texting at the same time? How many simply mop up some spilt fluids with a tissue and leave the desk smeared with a film of hazardous liquid? How many idly swing back and forth on their swivel chair when bored? These are all slips, trips and falls waiting to happen!
As previously mentioned, stairways are particularly dangerous areas, offering as they do the potential to fall much further and harder. The HSE statistics show that almost as many people suffered injuries at work in 2009/2010 falling down stairs, as falling from a height (e.g. platforms, ladders, scaffolding). It's therefore an area where particular attention should be paid to the key factors of good housekeeping and personal factors.
Safety in the work place is not something that one reviews once and then it is done: it has to be an ongoing concern. Conduct regular checks for potential accidents. Reassess employees on a regular basis and recommend additional training where appropriate. If the worst does come to the worst anda slip, trip or fall does occur, then it is important you respond quickly and appropriately, collecting the facts and using the knowledge gained to stop it happening again.
Too many serious accidents are happening when they really shouldn't be. In most cases they are caused by inattentiveness and individual carelessness. With just a little extra consideration you help to protect yourself and your colleagues from workplace accidents.
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