Slips, trips and falls are common occurrences and are responsible for a majority of injuries that happen at work. They amount to almost 40% of all reported major injuries on average and can result in many types of serious accidents such as falls from height. The most common injuries that happen due to slips and trips include fractures, concussions, bruises, cuts, musculoskeletal injuries and dislocations.

In this article, we have listed down a few useful precautionary measures that you can adopt in order to avoid accidents resulting from slips, trips & falls.

Useful and practical steps to take for preventing slips, trips and falls

Trips and slips usually happen when there is an unexpected change in the contact between your feet and the walking surface. Slips usually occur due to too little friction or traction between the foot and the walking surface whereas trips happen when you lose your balance if your foot collides an object. Though, it’s your employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy work environment in order to prevent any slip and trip accidents, but you should also take some important precautionary measures in order to avoid such incidents from taking place. Here are a few steps you can take in order to prevent yourself from slips, trips and falls:

• It is very important to select the right footwear that fits properly. It not only increases comfort but also helps to prevent fatigue and reduces the risk of slipping from wet or uneven flooring. Wearing shoes that are appropriate for your working conditions can prevent you from many unforeseen accidents and can improve your safety to a great deal.
• Watch where you are going and pay attention.
• Take your time when moving around the premises and do not rush.
• Adjust your pace according to the walking surface
• If you were involved in an accident or nearly missed it by an inch, don’t forget to report it to your employer as soon as it happened. This information can be used for preventing future accidents.
• If you spot a spillage, have someone clean it immediately.
• Keep your cabinet doors and storage drawers closed after using them.
• Always use a flashlight while entering a room with dim or no light.
• If you identify any damaged floor or mats, report them to the person in charge of housekeeping.
• It’s the responsibility of every employee to play his/her part in keeping the work place clean and tidy.
• If you come in contact with any objects lying on the floor that might lead to someone tripping or falling, remove it yourself or make arrangements for getting them removed.
• Always use handrails or railings while using the stairways and keep the stairways uncluttered.
• If you have to operate a riding machinery, always use handholds, handrails and steps. Keep the platforms or steps on machinery clean and dry at all time.
• Notify your employer if you identify any dangerous work situations.
• Use any precautionary protective equipment given to you for performing your tasks. If the PPE is damaged or not working properly, report it to your manager and have it replaced.

What to do if all else fails?

If you have still suffered an injury after a slip, trip or fall accident that was not your fault, despite taking all the necessary precautions, then you have the right to make slip, trip & fall claim for compensation. Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer available on Legit Claims online portal and discuss your case with him on a no win no fee basis.