Workplace injuries come in all shapes and sizes, but one category that continues to cause serious harm is slip, trip, and fall accidents. These accidents can lead to broken bones, head injuries, and even death. In fact, according to the HSE, more than 69,208 non-fatal injuries were reported by employers in 2019 while more than 28.2 million working days were lost as a result of work-related injuries in the UK.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at why this type of accident remains one of the top causes of workplace injuries. We will also discuss some prevention tips that can help keep you safe on the job!
The Rise Of Slip, Trip, And Fall Injuries
There are a few reasons why slip, trip, and fall accidents have become more common in recent years. The most common include:
Lack Of Regular Safety Assessments
One of the easiest ways to stop an issue before it hurts your workers is to find it through regular safety assessments. However, as workplaces become more demanding, expecting more with less, these safety procedures sometimes fall through the cracks. However, regular safety assessments are crucial to identifying potential hazards before they cause an accident.
Lack Of Training
Another reason why these accidents have become more prevalent is the lack of training employees receive on how to complete their tasks safely. Depending on the workplace's specific policies, workers may not receive any formal training around heavy machinery or equipment they're expected to use. When workers are not properly trained on how to do their job, it can lead to dangerous shortcuts and a greater chance of an accident.
Complying With Health And Safety Regulations
While health and safety regulations may seem overwhelming, they are in place to protect workers from preventable accidents. Unfortunately, some employers view these regulations as an inconvenience or an added cost rather than seeing them as a way to keep their employees safe. This can lead to corners being cut and a higher risk of slip, trip, and fall accidents.
How To Prevent On-The-Job Workplace Injuries
Now that we've looked at some of the reasons why slip, trip, and fall accidents have become more common, let's discuss some ways to prevent them:
Investing In Software To Ensure Compliance
There are many software programs available that can help employers keep track of safety assessments and health and safety regulations. By investing in one of these programs, like SafetyQube, you can be sure that your workplace is always up-to-date and compliant.
Involve Employees Each Step Of The Way
When it comes to safety, employees should be involved every step of the way. This means that they should be consulted on changes to procedures, given proper training, and included in regular safety assessments.
Frequent Communication
With any change in policy or procedure, it's crucial to have frequent communication with employees. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no misunderstandings.
Reviewing Standard Operating Procedures
Regularly reviewing standard operating procedures is a great way to catch any potential hazards. These procedures should be reviewed after any changes are made to them and at least once per year to ensure they're still the most efficient and safe way to do things.
Conclusion
Prevention is key when it comes to slip, trip, and fall accidents. By following the tips above and being aware of your surroundings, you can help reduce your employee's risk of being involved in this type of accident.
We know that your company is essential to you and we want the same for our clients. When SafetyQube launched, it was clear this wasn't just a software solution, it's an investment in their future employees as well. Our system helps companies like yours ensure safe work environments by managing all safety data from one place, so everyone on staff has access to the most up-to-date information at all times. To learn more about how our software works and how you can use it to benefit your business, book a demo today.