The Growing Problem of Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common types of work-related injuries. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that more than 1,900,000 work days were lost during 2013 and 2014 as a result of falls. While accidents are bound to happen, employers should take a proactive approach towards reducing them. So, what steps can you take to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents in your workplace?

Clean Spilled Liquids

When a spill occurs -- be it water, oil, or any other liquid -- be sure to clean it in a timely manner. Allowing liquids to remain on the floor will only increase the risk of a slip-and-fall accident. Just a small puddle of water could be enough to send a worker tumbling to the ground, possibly sustaining serious injury.

Use Signs to Warn Workers of Slippery Area

If there's an area in your workplace that's particularly slippery, place a sign over it to warn workers. Signs such as this one shown above offer an inexpensive and effective way to prevent slip-and-fall accidents in the workplace.

Keep Floors Clean and Free of Obstruction

Of course, it's also important for employers to maintain clean, obstruction-free pathways. If the boxes, tools, machinery, or other items begin to accumulate on the floors, it can create a dangerous environment for workers. And furthermore, you could be cited by OSHA for failure to provide workers with a safe working environment. The bottom line is that employers must maintain clean floors at all times to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall injuries.

Place Mats by Doors and Loading Docks

Even if you clean spilled liquids immediately after the spill occurs, water may still make its way into your workplace when it rains. This is why it's a good idea to place mats by doors, loading docks, and other points of entry. Employees can wipe their feet, reducing the amount of water they trek inside.

Require Non-Slip Footwear

Last but not least, employers can protect against slip-and-fall accidents by requiring workers to wear non-slip footwear. As the name suggests, this footwear contains special high-traction bottoms that reduce the risk of slipping. It's not a fool-proof way to prevent falls, but it can make a world of difference in areas where slip-and-falls are commonplace.