In Canada alone, roughly 42,000 people a year are hurt from fall accidents at work. Good housekeeping can be the difference between a slip, trip or a fall.
Slips – Uneven surfaces and inclement weather mean that our winter months often create conditions ideal for slipping hazards; take smaller steps and make wider turns around corners to maintain friction and balance.
Trips – Common tripping hazards include poor lighting, clutter, exposed cables or vision obstructions. Ensure you are practicing good housekeeping habits by making sure areas are free of equipment and other potential obstacles.
Falls – Often the result of a trip or a slip, to avoid a fall take careful inventory of your surroundings, adjust your pace so that it’s suitable for your environment and keep an eye out for the signs of tripping and slipping hazards noted above.
For more information on how to avoid slips, trips and falls, see the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.