Every now and then, all of us have experienced that involuntary lapse of attention thinking about some personal issue or some other distraction that leads to slips, trips and falls. From stumbling down the staircase to tripping over uneven surfaces to slipping on wet floor, slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of injuries, both on and off the job. They amount to almost 40% of all the reported accidents and can lead to a variety of minor and serious injuries ranging from a simple bruised arm to permanent disabilities or even death.

The causes of slips, trips and falls
Slips and trips commonly happen due to the lack of traction or friction between the walking surface and the shoe or when the foot strikes or collides any fixed or movable object which may result in a fall. Slips, trips and falls can be caused due to a number of reasons such as:

• Wet or oily floors
• Occasional spills
• Uneven or slippery walking surfaces
• Polished or newly waxed flooring
• Unanchored or loose carpeting and mats
• Weather hazards; snow, ice, rain, hail, frost.
• No handrails
• Uneven or missing floor tiles and bricks
• Clutter 
• Uncovered electrical cables
• Damaged ladder steps
• Unclosed drawers 
• Poor lighting
• Floor or walking surfaces without some level of traction
• Wet leaves
• Pine needles

How to prevent slips, trips and falls

Slip, trip and fall accidents can be avoided by paying close attention to where you are going and what you are doing. Following are some useful tips for preventing slips, trips and falls:

Housekeeping 

Maintaining good housekeeping practices is very critical for preventing falls from slips and trips. These practices include:

• Cleaning all spills instantly
• Marking spills 
• Keeping all areas of work clean
• Covering cords and cables in the walkways
• Removing any obstacles from the walkways
• Keeping the drawers and cabinets closed

Flooring

• Reduce wet or slippery surfaces 
• Install proper mats or rugs wherever needed
• Mark wet floor or walkways that are under repair
• Sweep debris and plant material from the floor regularly
• Keep sidewalks and parking lots clean
• Use abrasive strips or anti-skid paints

Lighting Maintenance 

• Use proper lighting in walkways, basement, ramps, staircases and construction areas.
• Keep work areas well lit.
• Keep darkened areas clear of clutter and hurdles
• Repair malfunctioning switches, cords and fixtures. 

Footwear

Selecting proper footwear can play a significant part in preventing slips, trips and falls. Employees are expected to wear comfortable shoes while at work to avoid such accidents. Shoelaces can also contribute to trips and falls and must be tied correctly.

Control Individual Behavior

• Pay close attention to where you are going and keep an eye out for potential hazards.
• Never run up or down the stairs
• Keep your balance when carrying something heavy
• Beware of the surface you are walking on
• Do not wear sunglasses in dark areas
• Adjust your pace according to the walking surface

What to do if you have suffered an injury because of slips, trips and falls?

Though using the aforementioned tips can avoid slip, trip and fall accidents to a great deal, but these accidents seem like a regular occurrence and are inevitable. If you have suffered a slip, trip or fall injury at work or in a public place due to no fault of your own, you can make a personal injury compensation claim. Though these claims are difficult to prove, but with the help of the right personal injury solicitor, you can get the compensation you deserve.

Legit Claims, has an extensive list of no win no fee solicitors available on its online portal, who have expertise in handling personal injury claims.

If you have suffered a slip, trip and fall accident due to factors beyond your control, find a competent and qualified personal injury solicitor on Legit Claims to make a successful slip, trip and fall claim.