Slips & Falls - How to operate a safe working envoronment

Even the best safety precautions can’t eliminate the risk. But you do reduce the likelihood of such a loss if you keep your premises in good condition. Develop written safety plans, communicate them to your employees and document training and enforcement of these policies because in the event of a loss, such documentation may keep you from being held liable. It’s your responsibility to create a safe working environment and preventing slips and falls will help keep your business in business.

Your business is growing and running smoothly, which is a GREAT feeling, and you want to keep it that way. However, an seemingly innocent, construction-related slip and fall can be devastating not only to the injured worker, customer or supplier but also to your business. According to the National Safety Council, slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of accidental death in the United States and a slip and fall could shut down your business for good!

How do you help prevent such an accident?
It isn’t easy but it can be done. Use these basic tips to reduce workplace and job site slip and fall accidents:
• Create and maintain a formal safety program.
• Investigate ALL accidents to determine cause and conditions.
• Hold employees responsible for maintaining safe walk surfaces, housekeeping and proper material storage.
• Hold subcontractors responsible: communicate your safety policies and require Certificates of Insurance.
• Conduct periodic inspections to identify and correct unsafe conditions.
• Delegate responsibility to functional supervisors to improve conditions and loss frequency. Certain activities are more often connected with slip and fall accidents than others. Pay attention to Walking and Climbing.
• Identify surfaces likely to cause accidents: holes, elevations, slopes or slippery surfaces. Mark them clearly, add handrails and require non-slip soles on footwear.
• Post Guidelines
– When exiting equipment never jump down. Turn inward to face the equipment and climb down.
– Don’t obstruct your vision when carrying items. Use handcarts or other aids to distribute weight.