Don't Fall for It: A Guide to Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Falls are one of the most common, yet preventable, causes of workplace injuries. Whether it's a slip on a wet floor or a fall from a height, the consequences can be severe, leading to lost workdays, serious injuries, and even fatalities. I believe that a safe workplace is a productive workplace. This guide will equip you and your team with the essential knowledge to prevent falls and maintain a secure environment.

​The Gravity of the Situation: Why Falls Matter

​It's easy to underestimate the risk of a simple trip or slip, but the statistics paint a serious picture. Falls are consistently a leading cause of workplace injuries and deaths across many industries. The impact isn't just physical; falls can lead to significant financial costs for both the employee and the employer, including medical expenses, workers' compensation claims, and decreased productivity. The bottom line is that proactive fall prevention isn't just a compliance issue—it's a critical business practice.

​STEP Up to Safety: A Simple Prevention Strategy

​Preventing falls doesn't have to be complicated. By remembering the simple acronym STEP, everyone can contribute to a safer environment.

S - Scan Your Surroundings: Always be aware of your environment. Before you start a task or walk through an area, take a moment to scan for potential hazards. Look for wet spots, uneven surfaces, loose cords, poor lighting, or clutter in walkways. Encouraging this simple habit can prevent countless incidents. 

​T - Tidy Up: Good housekeeping is fundamental to fall prevention. Ensure that walkways, stairs, and work areas are clear of debris, boxes, and electrical cords. Clean up spills immediately and use "Wet Floor" signs. A tidy workspace is a safe workspace.

E - Equip Properly: Using the right equipment is crucial, especially when working at heights. This includes using ladders correctly (maintaining three points of contact), wearing appropriate non-slip footwear, and utilizing personal fall arrest systems like harnesses and lanyards when required. Never stand on chairs, tables, or other unsuitable objects.

​P - Plan Ahead: Before starting a job, especially one involving heights or potentially slippery conditions, plan the task. Think about the tools you'll need, the route you'll take, and the safety measures you'll put in place. For complex tasks, a brief job safety analysis (JSA) can identify risks before they become incidents.

​If a Fall Occurs: Immediate Actions

​Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If someone falls:

• Stay Calm and Assess: Do not rush to move the injured person, as this could worsen a potential neck or spine injury. Assess the situation and check if they are conscious.

• ​Call for Help: Immediately notify a supervisor and call for medical assistance if needed.

• Provide Comfort: Offer reassurance to the injured person while you wait for help to arrive.

• Report the Incident: Every fall, no matter how minor it seems, should be reported. This allows for a thorough investigation to identify the cause and prevent it from happening again.

​Your Next Step

​Safety is a team effort. By integrating these simple principles into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls in your workplace. Don't wait for an accident to happen, take the steps to prevent it today.