10 ways to avoid slips, trips & falls in the workplace

One of the most common work place incidents are slips, trips and falls and although they might seem somewhat minor, they can be fatal, so it’s important to know how to avoid them.

With so many of our workers in temporary jobs, on a variety of different sites, Hirestaff places huge importance on health & safety. As part of our onboarding registration process, we provide our temps with the information and knowledge to identify, avoid and report workplace hazards, like those that could lead to slips, trips or falls.

Whether you’re working on a construction site, or in a warehouse, slips, trips & falls are the most commons cause of work-related injuries.

Here are our top 10 tips to avoid slips, trips and falls in the workplace:

  • Ensure all workspaces have good lighting

  • All pathways should be clear of clutter and any boxes or unused items put in storage out of the way

  • When using stairs, always use the rail to steady yourself

  • Always wear appropriate footwear with good grip

  • All power cords and electrical cables are run at a high level, are fixed or securely covered. If not possible, ensure these are stuck down properly and clearly marked & sign posted.

  • If a liquid, spill or puddle occurs, mop away any excess liquid and put a slippery when wet or warning sign somewhere visible

  • When lifting and carrying heavy items, ensure you don’t overload yourself or obstruct your view

  • If the floor is uneven, ensure an uneven surface sign is visible. Where possible, use ramps for large changes in level

  • Ensure all floor covers are fixed with no loose edges that could be caught underfoot

  • Keep an eye out for other people when turning blind corners or crossing passageways

After starting a new job, whether it is temporary or permanent, it is important for you to identify any potential risks. If you identify anything that could pose harm to yourself or a fellow worker, you should report it to your supervisor immediately. At Hirestaff, Health & Safety is extremely important and it’s imperative that you keep yourself safe in the workplace.

Warning sign to prevent slips, trips and falls.