What are the greatest dangers you face in your working day? Where do the dangers lie? When will this accident happen to you?
If you are a miner operating 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 the most serious dangers lie in wait as we walk from A to B!
Statistics show that most accidents in the workplace are the result of slips, trips and falls. The “major injury” statistics held by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that, year on 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 as we get older.
There are two key points to bear in mind if you are to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. Firstly, it is vitally important that one remains aware of the potential dangers that exist in one's environment. Second of all, each employee must take personal responsibility for their actions. Once on top of these two, prevention is almost an automatic outcome. A slip, tip or fall accident is usually caused by something which could have easily been avoided. .
It isn't complicated. Good training is clear and simple . The causes of slips, trips and falls are highlighted and explained in such a way that the information is retained. The most important message in the training should be that personal responsibility is taken for all hazards - not only those you create yourself, but also those you find. 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”
Now that we know the key points, what should slips, trips and falls training practically involve?
Good housekeeping is probably the most fundamental requirement. This covers a range of responsibilities. One in three major slips, trips and falls are the result of wet surfaces, so clean up any fluids that are dropped or spilt and ensure surfaces are dried thoroughly after cleaning. Clear warning signs should be put in place until this is done. Keep walkways clear, especially 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 is clear on what is required of flooring in order to prevent workplace accidents (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 modern office is full of computers, printers, photocopiers and server stacks, and with them come a lot of cables and plenty of potential workplace accidents. 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.
Personal factors also influence the likelihood of such accidents. 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 water 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 thinking? 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. According to HSE statistics, almost as many people suffered injuries at work in 2009/2010 falling down stairs, as falling from a height (e.g. scaffolding, platforms, ladders). It's therefore an area where particular attention should be paid to both good housekeeping and personal factors.
Safety in the work place should be an ongoing concern. Conduct regular checks for potential accidents. Reassess employees on a regular basis with consideration given to where additional training may be appropriate. If a 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.
It’s a simple message - too many serious accidents are happening when they should not be. In the majority of cases they are caused by individual carelessness and inattentiveness. With just a little extra consideration you help to protect yourself and your colleagues from workplace accidents.
