| By :
Adrianna Noton
Trip and fall prevention in the workplace is extremely important. There are many people who are hurt every year while going about their regular activities. These persons lose time that they would have spent earning. Some become disabled for life. Employers have to find replacements for them. Insurance companies have to compensate them for the damage they sustained. Some accidents are the result of ordinary environmental hazards. Others are due to negligence. It is important to reduce the prevalence of trips and falls around the workplace as much as possible. Whether they occur in health care facilities, government organizations or gas stations, there are usually common causes. Naturally occurring hazards such as snow may bring about these episodes. Weather conditions can make a workplace unsafe. Flood water, rain and ice are brought into office buildings by extraneous forces. As such, they are hard to control. Measures taken to limit their effect generally have to be put in place in the initial stages of construction. For example, buildings can be designed to resist the effects of hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding. Proper preparation and good early warning systems help to reduce the impact of natural phenomena. Spills have to be reported promptly, so that floors can be kept clean and dry. This reduces the risk of slips. If surfaces cannot be cleaned immediately, paper towels and other materials may be used to cover liquids. Soap and other slippery liquids, such as oil can contribute to falls. Water absorbent mats should be placed in rooms that are subject to drips. They are typically used near exits and at coolers. When it is rainy, umbrella bags should be placed at entrances to minimize moisture in the building. Changes in flooring will make it risky to work in a room. Kitchens, garages and other spaces have more accidents due to lubricants and fluids on the floor. It is better to consult the occupational health and standards that apply in each industry, to get a complete understanding of what is required to improve safety. Managers can implement various measures to stop employees from falling. Generally, floors that are wet frequently should not be covered with smooth tiles. Rougher surfaces provide a better grip. Employees should wear skid resistant footwear that helps them to maintain their footing while they work. Poor lighting is quite dangerous. In addition to increasing the possibility of trips, a lack of illumination invites thieves. Parking lots and stairwells that are not well lit are dangerous. Workers may be attacked by malicious persons in these spaces. Broken lights should be replaced immediately. All members of staff should immediately report these incidents when they are spotted. The wattage used must be sufficient for the size of the space. People have to be able to detect abnormalities in the floors as they walk. Fixing cracked footways makes it less likely that anyone will trip and fall. These structures should be built properly from the start. Walkways must be kept free of clutter such as paper cups, bags and plastic packaging. Drawers and cabinets should be kept closed. Workers should not work too many shifts consecutively since tired employees are more likely to be injured.
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