It’s easy to see why slip-and-fall accidents are so common in the workplace. Slip-and-fall accidents can devastate your physical health and legal record, whether or not you’re directly at fault for the incident. Costs associated with injuries in the United States reached $4.2 trillion in 2019, as reported by the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. You could injure yourself and ruin your day, or worse, get hit with a lawsuit from someone who wasn’t as lucky as you were in avoiding the fall in the first place. If you do get a lawsuit, contact slip and fall lawyers orange county to get the best outcome. Keep these safety tips in mind to reduce the risk of having a slip-and-fall accident while you’re on the job.
1. Stay aware of your surroundings
Statistics show that slips and trips account for the vast majority (67%) of all falls that occur on a flat surface. The remaining one-third of all falls occur when someone is falling from a great height, such as when they are climbing down a ladder or jumping down several stories. Whether you’re on foot, in a vehicle, or otherwise stationary, maintain a heightened state of awareness. Ensure there is adequate lighting and signage for entrances and exits, as well as any items that may cause slip-and-fall accidents. Be cautious when standing next to large windows or elevators because there is a risk of someone opening them unexpectedly from the outside.
2. Look out for spills
The best way to avoid such accidents is by taking proactive measures and using your eyes and head; stay alert when entering an area that may be wet with water or other liquid. A spill isn’t always going to be obvious at first glance, so make sure that you check high-traffic areas frequently. Also, look down to ensure there isn’t anything on the ground that could lead to a fall before stepping onto it.
3. Don’t clutter walkways
Having a clean work environment is one of the best ways to avert slip-and-fall accidents. If anything is lying on the floor, pick it up and move it somewhere that won’t get people slipping and falling. Littering is dangerous when you’re walking through a lot of it on hard flooring. Plus, some things you might sweep or vacuum up could have been spilt chemicals or potentially hazardous substances, so be careful not to accidentally contaminate your floor area or, worse yet, someone else’s! Keep floors clear and unobstructed, and fix any holes or sloping surfaces.
4. Take care on rainy days
Even though we might not always be able to control how wet our workplaces are, we can take precautions on rainy days, like installing non-slip mats and surfaces on paths, ramps, and stairways. Also, don’t forget that nothing is stopping your company from scheduling rain days so employees can stay out of hazardous conditions!
5. Buy slip-resistant shoes
One way to help prevent slipping is by procuring slip-resistant shoes. These shoes have textured soles that provide increased traction when wet or dry, which can save you from an embarrassing slip and fall accident. Wet floors are a typical work environment hazard, so keeping your feet as dry as possible is important. Also, try wearing closed-toe shoes such as sneakers instead of sandals or heels; they’re easier to clean and won’t get your socks soaked if they come into contact with water.
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