Wellness Management: At Work: Strategies To Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace

close-up of toes

ABL’s Occupational Wellness Manager and staff are committed to ENSURING our business partners have established safe worksites and work safe guidelines. Safe worksites are everyone’s responsibility to prevent and minimize the risk for accidents and injuries. Slips, trips and falls are usually avoidable yet are very common in the workplace resulting in injuries. Toolbox Talks can remind workers to work safely and avoid hazards. Share with your staff how foot problems and footwear can also affect their balance and change the way they walk, which may put them at risk of falling.

DownloadPosterButton

Download your free poster for employee safety boards here: 


MANAGEMENT Strategy 1 – GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
 
 Ensure time is allotted DAILY for work area cleaning, particularly where scrap material or waste is a by-product of the job
 Delegate responsibilities to specific people to clean up, in addition to personal accountability for everyone to clean up after themselves as they work
 Encourage safe work practices such as picking up loose items from the floor, NO RUNNING
 Make sure appropriate actions are taken for when someone causes or comes across a food or drink spill
 Conduct periodic inspections for slip and trip hazards

MANAGEMENT Strategy 2 – REDUCE WET OR SLIPPERY SURFACES 
 Traction control procedures should be checked for their usefulness both inside and outside the building
 Parking lots and sidewalks should be clean, holes filled in, and in good condition
 Remove or treat areas where there is snow or ice. HINT: Restrict use of the area if deemed unsafe
 Use adhesive striping material or anti-skid paint / tape whenever possible – on stairs, step ledges 
 Use moisture-absorbent mats in entrance areas that have anti-slip under-backing. 
 Display “Wet Floor” signs as needed. 

MANAGEMENT Strategy 3 – PROPER LIGHTING 
 Use proper lighting in walkways, staircases, ramps, hallways, basements and dock areas.
 Repair fixtures, switches and cords immediately if they malfunction

WORKER Strategy 1 – TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET 
 Seek medical care for foot pain or foot problems: corns, calluses, bunions, ulcers 
 Keep your toe nails short to prevent them from rubbing in your shoes
 Stretch your feet daily to maintain good circulation in your feet, ankles and legs. 
Examples of foot stretches are moving your toes up and down, and turning your ankles in a circle.

WORKER Strategy 2 – WEAR PROPER SHOES 
 Wear footwear appropriate for the duties of their work task.
 Footwear should fit snugly and the sole of your footwear should have a good grip and traction. 
HINT: best time to try on new shoes is mid-afternoon because feet tend to swell throughout the day
 Tie shoelaces!!!!!


WORKER Strategy 3 – FLOOR SAFETY 
 Aisles, service areas and passageways should be kept clear free of debris, clutter, boxes, tools 
HINT: Avoid stringing cords, cables or hoses across hallways or in any designated aisle – place hazard signs to increase awareness
 Use Absorbents for immediate clean-up of spills and leaks
 When walking, and carrying items, ensure you have a clear view 
 Avoid distractions such as cell phones; watch where you are going, don’t wear sunglasses in low-light areas, use designated walkways

 Written by: Carla Villalta
ABL Occupational Wellness Manager


The information provided by ABL Employment is intended to promote healthy habits. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or professional care. Before making significant changes to diet or exercise, consult your health care provider.

Looking For Staff?

Looking For Work?