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.
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.
