Site Safety - Nine Ways to Avoid Slips and Trips

If you are interested in site safety and would like to reduce the risk of slips and trips we have compiled a list of nine simple steps you can take. If you bear these ideas in mind the health and safety provision of your work place will be much greater.

Make Sure the Floor is Clean and Dry – It might seem like obvious advice but the condition of the floor is responsible for the vast majority of slips, trips and falls. Signage for wet floors and removing obstructions can all reduce the likely hood of accidents. It may seem common sense advice though still worth keeping in mind.

Clean Spillages Straight Away – Spillages happen and are common in many workplaces. There’s little people can do to prevent this happening. It is how people respond to spillages determines the likelihood of someone slipping. Try and clean the spillage as soon as possible. If this isn’t possible you should try your best to alert everyone to the risk.

Store Stuff Safely – It isn’t just spillages that can cause accidents in the work place. Trips are equally dangerous. As a consequence it’s important not to leave anything on the floor which could cause someone to trip up. This involves storing things safely and ensuring cables are firmly secured to the floor.

Mark Slopes and Level Changes – another easy step you can make to improve your site’s health and safety is to mark slopes and changes in level. Markings on the floor can indicate to people the potential for trips and slips and makes it a safer environment all-round.

Ensure Suitable Lighting - When you are thinking of ways to help prevent trips and slips lighting may not immediately spring to mind. However poor lighting can often lead to accidents, especially if you are working at night. By providing suitable lighting you can reduce the risk significantly.

Wear Suitable Foot Ware – Another simple tip that has a real positive effect. The right foot wear gives everyone a greater chance of staying on their feet. The minimum standard of footwear will depend on the nature of your business but putting required standard in place is always a good move.

Organise an effective safety management – Having someone in charge of site safety can pay huge dividends. When someone has a direct responsibility for something they are far more likely to take it seriously.

Carry Out Risk Assessments – Risk assessments are vital to any business they help you take a step back and look objectively at what potential problems you have. They needn’t be a one off thing either, regularly carrying out the assessments will help you keep on top of changing circumstances

Be Aware of Laws and Regulations – The laws and regulations are there for everyone’s safety. By keeping up to date and aware you can make your place of work a lot safer. While the regulations might at first seem tiresome they can prevent accidents both small and serious.

Tags: accidents, common sense, health and safety, likelihood, poor lighting, simple steps, slips, wet floors, workplaces