Clutters
and slippery floor can be risky to people at work. Report shows that slips and
trips are the most common accidents in the United Kingdom.
Several
factors contribute to the occurrence of slips and trips in the workplace. This
can be due to wet floors, uneven floor surface, trailing cables, changes in
levels, poor lighting and poor housekeeping.
Wet
floor due to spillage of water, ice, rainwater, snow, oil and other chemicals
is risky for the employees. Workers might slip along the building entrance,
walkway, parking lot and slope areas. Any liquid or even decaying leaves can be
harmful especially when it is not cleaned up immediately. Injuries can be
sustained from these hazards just like the ones mentioned in accident at work.co.uk. In some
instances, workers trip on uneven floor surface. They sometimes failed to
notice changes in levels and suddenly trip on it. Trailing cables which
sprawled along the walkway obstructs people who walk to and fro the work area. Insufficient
lighting can hinder them from seeing any obstruction along their way. Poor
housekeeping is a bad practice that can affect the performance of the staff.
Spilled liquids, greasy floor and clutters in the hallway which are left unclean
even for a short period can be hazardous to employees.
Prevention of Hazards
Prevention
of hazards due to slips and trips can be prevented by planning, training, organizing,
controlling and monitoring. Employers are responsible to initiate and implement
this in the workplace.
Business
owners should conduct risk assessment and plan on how to deal with the hazards
involved in a task. Consult the employees on any potential hazards and work
together in setting goals for improvement. Train employees in observing health
and safety in the workplace. One of the responsibilities of the employer is to
provide adequate training to employees. Instruction and information on dealing
with potential risk can help prevent accidents. Organise the work area by
encouraging the staff to cooperate in reducing the risks in the area. Check if
safe working practices are observed in the premises. Monitor if there are any
accidents that occur in the area.
Good
housekeeping can help in the prevention of slips and trips. Clean up spillages
immediately so that no can get hurt. Arrange
equipment to avoid the cables from sprawling on the floor and cover it when
needed. Repair the floor surface and provide sufficient lighting in dim areas.
Make sure that rugs and mats are fixed properly.
Work-related
accidents can be compensated. Ask for a legal advice on the processing of
getting compensation for injuries in the UK.