Preventing slips and falls: Beyond the 'wet floor' sign

 

Most workplaces realize that slips, trips and falls are serious issues that need special attention. And while engineering solutions - like mats, lighting and footwear - are important, some preventive measures are as simple as communicating with your team.  

 

According to David King of "Supervisors Safety Bulletin," here are things you should do to make sure employees are avoiding slips and falls:

• Train them. They should know how to recognize the hazards and how to avoid them.
• Encourage conversation. Make sure employees know it's their job to speak up when they spot hazards.
• Look at the jobs. Try to find out which jobs put workers most at risk of slips, trips and falls (such as pushing or pulling objects), then work with them to find ways to make it safer.
• Keep equipment handy. Mops, brooms, trash cans and wet floor signs should all be readily available so hazards can be cleaned or removed promptly.
• Make it your culture. React quickly to any temporary slip or trip hazards. Doing so shows workers you're serious about the dangers and will encourage them to speak up in the future.