Did you know that every year, nearly 3 million men and women are injured on-the-job? And the majority of those injuries are the result of workplace trips, slips, or falls. What is even more alarming is the fact that the majority of these injuries can be prevented.

Let’s take a look at trips, slips, and falls in the workplace and how to avoid them.

Trips, Slips, and Fall Injuries

The US National Safety Council recently reported the number of slip and fall related injuries had reached almost 28,000 annually. It also reported that trips, slips, and falls are the leading cause of workplace injuries and deaths. But thankfully the most common causes are easy to mitigate.

Appropriate Footwear

Not all shoes give you the traction you need to walk safely on every surface. Make sure your choice of footwear is suitable for your location, and whenever possible, wear shoes with non-slip soles.  And here’s a tip: brand new rubber-soled shoes can actually slip when you first wear them. ‘Season’ your new shoes by taking a 30-minute walk around the neighbourhood, on concrete or gravel, to develop roughness on the sole, improving traction.

Clean Leaks and Spills Immediately

When you notice wet areas on the floor, always put “wet floor” signs near the area, while you go off in search of cleaning supplies.

Clear Away Clutter

Make sure that walkways are clear and free of clutter or debris that could cause colleagues to trip or stumble.

Appropriate Lighting

If you can’t see your surroundings, you can’t properly evaluate the area for safety.  Poor lighting can increase your chances of missing objects on the floor, wet areas, or even fail to see people coming around the corner.

Never Climb on the Furniture

It’s not just children who climb on furniture. Too often, if we don’t have access to a ladder or step-stool, we’ll pull out a chair and climb to reach that file box or change the light-bulb. But doing so can mean serious injuries, especially if you climb on a chair that has wheels.

Never Block Your Line of Sight When Carrying Items

If the boxes or files you’re carrying obstruct your line-of-sight you’re putting yourself at risk of a slip, trip, or fall.  If you can’t see what’s ahead of you, the chance of a collision increases, making you a hazard not just to yourself, but to others in the workplace as well.

If you’re looking for a new manufacturing position, check out the latest opportunities on our job board. Ready to apply? Talk to the manufacturing industry specialists at HCR Personnel Solutions today.