Proactive Steps to Identify and Reduce Slips, Trips and Falls

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Proactive Steps to Identify and Reduce Slips, Trips and Falls

  • Sep 10, 2024
  • Old and leaky machinery. The adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is great, but there should be an extension to this statement that says, “unless it’s leaking.” The cost of a slip injury to a business is large; leaky machines are a top contributor to those slippery surfaces. A few drops of oil can easily be sprayed and placed in an area where employees travel. This can then be tracked throughout the facility to places where one wouldn’t expect oil to be present, such as stairs, restrooms and office spaces. In the meantime, until equipment can be repaired, absorbents can be an essential tool to act as a blocker between the oil and the floor below. Placing white absorbent mats in areas that utilize oil and other fluids can act as a first leak indicator and trigger a work order for maintenance on that device. It is also important that inspection of areas in proximity to the equipment is performed to identify fluids in walkway areas. Additionally, in areas where equipment is present, walkway mats that are either gritted or absorbent can act as an aid to remove these fluids from employees’ shoes before they can track them to other areas of the facility.

  • Prepare for the weather ahead. Heavy rain or snow events are a constant hazard outside of facilities, but they can also be a problem inside as well. As employees come in from outside, they track snow and rain in through the entrances, cafeterias, breakrooms and operational floors. Additionally, during heavy weather events, flooding can also contribute to the infiltration of rainwater. It is imperative to view the 10-day forecast and prepare ahead of time with additional safety measures. Observe the traffic patterns of the employees during their day. Identify the exits and entrances that are used most often. Notice where umbrellas, coats and boots are placed. Monitor where employees travel right after coming inside. These places could be the break room, restroom or manufacturing floor. Being able to understand where employees take their first 20 to 30 steps once entering the building can target the areas where rainwater will most likely fall off their clothes and shoes. The main solution is to have entrance mats at all entrances, with enough walk-off coverage. About 15 feet of walk-off for a mat ensures it can capture the water from employees’ feet. This is why the observation of traffic patterns is important. If within a few feet after walking in most employees turn, then the mat should follow. This means it may require a custom, modular or cut-to-fit style mat for various locations. Finally, having a designated storage location for boots, coats and umbrellas where water runoff can be contained will offer additional protection.

This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.

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