HSE to launch slips, trips and falls campaign

The HSE is to launch a workplace slips, trips and falls campaign next month.

The two-month campaign, called Shattered Lives, is aimed at the workers who are at most risk of a slip, trip or fall in the workplace, such as construction workers or kitchen managers.

However, it is also aimed at managers to help them minimise the risks too.

The HSE says that around 1,000 workers every month are seriously injured by slips, trips and falls.

According to Workplace Law’s white paper, Slips, trips and falls: how to avoid them in the workplace, the following practical steps should be taken to minimise risks:

1. Floors and traffic routes should be of sound construction and care should be taken to assess suitability for use in all potential circumstances. 
2. If there are frequent, albeit transient, hazards, the floor should be assessed with that in mind and steps taken, such as provision of non-slip coating and/or provision of mats. 
3. Risk assessments should focus on prior accidents and near misses to enable greater understanding of problems. 
4. Warning notices should be used and brought to employees' attention - warning notices of themselves may not be sufficient to avoid accidents, but can alert workers to potential hazards. 
5. Worker consultation is key - hazards may arise at certain times of day and discussion with workers may identify such periods. 
6. Give consideration to suitability or otherwise of workers' footwear in conjunction with the particular floor. 
7. If there are temporary holes resulting from damage or wear and tear, these areas should be cordoned off and/or subject to warning signs. 
8. Risks may arise when people tread in water from snow or ice outside and proper arrangements which are communicated to employees need to be in place.

For more information, premium members of the Workplace Law Network can download the white paper by clicking here »