How To Stop Accidents At Work Caused By Wet Floors
It happens to the best of us, slips and falls. Its Murpheys law. If its going to happen then its going to happen to you. Whether is just a momentary lapse in our concentration or a distraction that caused us to not pay attention, slips, and falls are a common thing that occurs. Whether its a fall down the stairs or slip on some slippery ice or a wet floor, they all can lead to very negative consequences that can be very painful. According to the US department of labor, the number 1 cause of injury in the workplace is due to slips and falls.
In general, falls and slips happen as a result of losing traction between the floor and our shoes. There are many things that can cause slips and falls.
* Oily or greasy floors
* Floors that are very dry and have wood or powder on them
* Surfaces that are uneven
* Floors that have been polished or that have wax on them
* Floors that are not fixed in position
* A change in height from one-floor surface to another
* Floor that is missing due to damage
* Steps that are not regular
* Walking surfaces that are not even
* Disorganization
* Cables and chords
A very important aspect of preventing slips and falls has to do with maintaining and keeping up with good housekeeping practices. If your workplaces housekeeping habits or routines are bad or non-existent then that surely is a recipe for disaster. Having good housekeeping routines is vital and important to maintaining order in the chaos that can quickly overcome a workplace.
Wet and slippery surfaces account for the majority of slips and falls so it makes sense to keep these types of occurrences to a minimum. To help avoid floors being slippery, especially if the environment is one that is continuously wet then add non-slip mats. In addition to the non-slip mats, organizations can have tools like super absorbent microfiber mops at all stations or areas where spills are common. Having the mops there and waiting encourages workers to clean up the mess quickly so as to avoid possible accidents as a result of a wet floor.
Proper shoewear can also contribute to reducing the number of slips and falls that occur in the workplace. Workers should be provided or at least educated on the correct type of footwear that is appropriate for wet floors.