Preventing Slips in the Workplace: Key Steps and Strategies

Understanding Slips

The Oxford Dictionary defines a slip as “to slide a short distance by accident so that you fall or nearly fall”. There are many ways that slips can occur in the workplace, however, many of these can be avoided by taking the following steps:

Install and Maintain Anti-Slip Flooring

Anti-slip flooring should be installed in both medium and high-risk areas. Once installed, it must also be properly maintained or else it will lose its non-slip properties.

Prevent and Manage Contaminants

Preventing contaminants from getting on the floor will help to reduce the risk of slips. Having procedures in place to quickly and efficiently deal with contaminants is also crucial. This may include using a particular cleaning chemical depending on the contaminant or simply cleaning the spillage up as soon as it happens, ensuring proper signage is in place as well.

Effective Cleaning Procedures

If the floor of an area is left wet after being cleaned, stop anyone from walking over it until it is dry enough to ensure that no potential accidents can occur.

Proper Signage

Ensure that proper signage is used to alert individuals of wet floors or other hazards. Proper signage can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Conclusion

By installing and maintaining anti-slip flooring, managing contaminants effectively, and ensuring proper cleaning procedures and signage, the risk of slips in the workplace can be significantly reduced.