Slips, trips, and falls are the most common accidents both at work and in daily life. According to OSHA, they account for 15% of all accidental deaths in the U.S., second only to motor vehicle accidents at nearly 24%. The National Safety Council reports 25,000 incidents daily, with an average cost of $22,800 per incident and $19,000 per workers’ compensation claim.
What are the most common causes of slips, trips, and falls in commercial spaces?
- Slippery floors due to spills, grease, or debris
- Poor lighting
- Cluttered walkways
- Improper footwear
Slips, trips, and falls can lead to substantial financial costs, productivity losses, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, operational disruptions, and long-term negative impacts on a business. Implementing effective safety measures is crucial to mitigate these risks and maintain a safe and productive work environment.
The good news is that all of the above are preventable.
Best Practices for Prevention
Prevention and planning are critical to minimize slips, trips, and falls. First, clean spills immediately and ensure all debris is mopped or swept up and disposed of properly. Proper lighting is crucial to highlight potential hazards, so make sure all areas are well-lit. Equip your facilities team with slip-resistant footwear to reduce the risk of accidents and explore advanced anti-slip coatings and treatments for high-risk areas.
Regular maintenance is vital! Be sure to promptly report and repair cracks, holes, or other hazardous areas. Regularly inspect and maintain cleaning equipment. And keep in mind that, sometimes, replacing or resurfacing floors is necessary to maintain safety.
Weather and Ventilation
Weather obviously plays a role in preventing—or worsening—slips, trips, and falls. With floor cleaning procedures, be sure to factor in drying times and understand how weather conditions affect dry time. Maintain appropriate humidity and temperature levels to prevent condensation and slippery conditions. Proper ventilation should be ensured to reduce moisture buildup, especially in areas prone to spills or wet conditions. Finally, have a plan to promptly deploy wet floor signage and mats.
From the Ground Up
When selecting a commercial cleaning partner, it is crucial to evaluate the company’s floor cleaning training practices, including onboarding and regularly scheduled sessions. This is important because, according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), 50% of slips are due to wet floors.
Key questions to ask potential cleaning partners include:
- Do you check all areas for proper drainage before cleaning floors?
- How do you ensure all areas are highly visible?
- What measures do you take to prevent employees from taking shortcuts?
- What are your policies for equipment review and repair to ensure it is in good condition?
- How do you ensure the right equipment is used for specific locations and flooring types?
To minimize slip and fall injuries and extend the longevity of walking surfaces, it is essential to evaluate each flooring type in the workplace and use appropriate cleaning methods for each. A “one product fits all” approach can lead to unsafe walking surfaces and frequent repair or replacement issues. No single cleaning method, product, or schedule is suitable for all floor types.
Evaluating and updating cleaning procedures can significantly enhance floor safety and reduce the risk of accidents. Incorporating these best practices into an overall floor safety program is a critical step in preventing slips, trips, and falls, ultimately saving time, money, and lives.
Signage and Communication:
- Clear Signage: Use clear and visible signage to warn of wet floors, uneven surfaces, or other hazards.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to ensure flooring materials are in good condition and replace them when necessary.
- Climate Control: Maintain appropriate humidity and temperature levels to prevent condensation and slippery conditions.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to reduce moisture buildup, especially in areas prone to spills or wet conditions.
- Anti-Slip Coatings: Explore advanced anti-slip coatings and treatments for high-risk areas.
Comprehensive Safety Program:
- Integrated Safety Plan: Develop an integrated safety plan that includes regular audits, employee training, and continuous improvement.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between departments (e.g., maintenance, HR, safety) to ensure a holistic approach to preventing slips, trips, and falls.
By incorporating these additional considerations, commercial buildings can create a safer environment for employees, customers, and visitors, ultimately reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls.