When we head to work each day, a slip-and fall-accident is probably the last thing on our minds—but, in fact, they are much more common than we realise.
Your employer should have a formal slip, trip, and fall prevention program in place, but there are also steps you can take to ensure these types of accidents don’t occur. According to risk engineers, here are the top seven places to look for slip-and-fall hazards.
-
Your feetThe shoes you wear at work can play an important role in preventing slip-and-fall accidents. Always choose footwear that is compatible with the flooring surfaces in your workplace.
-
StaircasesA number of factors contribute to staircase accidents, including:
- Irregular steps
- Poor lighting
- Objects left on stairs
- Improper or broken handrails
- A step in an unexpected place
Make sure to always take your time on the stairs and use caution if you spot any of the signs above.
-
EscalatorsEscalator steps are not the correct height for normal walking, which increases the risk for a slip, trip, or fall. Do not use escalators as stairs when they are not operating.
-
FootpathsFootpaths may crack due to settling surfaces, storm damage or the action of tree roots. They can also collect puddles or ice. Be especially cautious when walking outside in bad weather, and alert the building authorities if you see these hazards so they can improve the slip resistance of these surfaces.
-
RampsSlip-and-fall accidents are common on ramps as they can get slippery when it rains or snows, making the increased slope difficult to navigate. And don’t get caught off-guard by a ramp with a low rise—especially when it has no handrails.
-
Car parksWhen navigating the car park at work, watch out for:
- Irregular surfaces
- Speed bumps (if your office has them, see below)
- Inadequate lighting
-
Speed Bumps and Wheel StopsSpeed bumps and parking blocks can be a tripping hazard. If your workplace access road and car park has these features, navigate with caution. They should be painted a bright color and properly placed.
Most importantly, if you do see a potential slip-and-fall hazard in your work environment, report it immediately. The sooner it is corrected, the safer you and your colleagues will be.
This content is brought to you by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (“Chubb”) as a convenience to readers and is not intended to constitute advice (professional or otherwise) or recommendations upon which a reader may rely. Any references to insurance cover are general in nature only and may not suit your particular circumstances. Chubb does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and any insurance cover referred to is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions set out in the relevant policy wording. Please obtain and read carefully the relevant insurance policy before deciding to acquire any insurance product. A policy wording can be obtained at www.chubb.com/au, through your broker or by contacting any of the Chubb offices. Chubb makes no warranty or guarantee about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the content. Readers relying on any content do so at their own risk. It is the responsibility of the reader to evaluate the quality and accuracy of the content. Reference in this content (if any) to any specific commercial product, process, or service, and links from this content to other third party websites, do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by Chubb and shall not be used for advertising or service/product endorsement purposes. ©2020 Chubb Insurance Australia Limited ABN: 23 001 642 020 AFSL: 239687. Chubb®, its logos, and Chubb.Insured.SM are protected trademarks of Chubb.
Insights & Resources
We keep you informed – and your business protected – with these helpful articles.
