Look around you

In 2014/2015, RIDDOR reports for slips, trips and falls accounted for nearly six in 10 (59%) specified injuries and almost three in 10 (29%) for over-seven-day injuries. Regarding specified injuries, there were 7682 specified injuries recorded for slips, trips or falls on the same level and 2950 falls from a height, and for over-seven-day injuries, there were 13,646 slips, trips or falls on the same level recorded and 3117 falls from a height.

It is also alarming to learn that there were three fatal injuries for slips, trips or falls on the same level and 29 fatal injuries for falls from a height.

With this in mind, it is of no surprise that one of the UK’s leading health and safety service providers, Citation, has witnessed an increase in the last 12 months of new clients requiring guidance and advice.

On the ground, working at height or using machinery, slips, trips and falls can occur in all manner of workplaces.

The most impactful approach is for all businesses to carry out a risk assessment to identity and help prevent slip hazards, not just in icy conditions, but all year round considering wet ground, polished floors and surfaces that are subject to coverage, such as falling leaves and spillages.

Under the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, organisations with five or more employees are obliged by law to carry out an annual risk assessment or more frequently if there are changes at the workplace. The results need to be fully documented. Companies with less than five employees must also carry out the risk assessment but they do not have to document the results. Risks have to be assessed and where necessary, action taken to address them.

Furthermore, companies must, when completing the risk assessment, consider risks facing those visiting the workplace. Visitors for meetings, suppliers and even deliveries must be accounted for and assessed. A hazard is something that could cause harm, so a pot hole in the car park is a possible risk to a business.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes taking steps to control slip and trip risks. Employees have a duty not to put themselves or others in danger, and must use any safety equipment provided.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require floors to be suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions, allowing people to move around freely. Encouraging staff to be vigilant is essential to decrease the number of trips and falls, with employees reporting to supervisors if they come across an unsafe condition, including poor lighting, uneven flooring, visible cables or wires, poorly maintained machinery or an unidentified opening.

Even simple steps taken by employees can make a difference, including wearing the correct footwear and protective clothing, as well as taking responsibility by removing rubbish immediately, clearing up any spillages and taking extra care where appropriate. If companies and their staff are aware and alert, the severity of potential hazards can be significantly lowered.

To avoid slips, trips and falls, simply carrying out the risk assessment is not enough. You may be ticking the box, but sharing the results with employees will contribute toward heightened caution in the workplace. It is also a good idea to ask employees what they think hazards are as they may notice things that are not obvious to their employer and be able to provide good ideas on how to control these risks.

Following any risk assessment, a traditional ‘Do and Don’t’ list is always useful to have to hand and on display; it is good practice to communicate any potential hazards and how to avoid them with employees, taking the approach that the whole company is responsible for health and safety at work. There is no point doing the risk assessment and filing away the findings.

Awareness is very important so high visibility, regular communication and being fully up-to-date with current legislation is key to reducing slips, trips and falls, and making your workplace as safe as it possibly can be.