7 Slipping Hazards Lurking In Your Office

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. Slips, Trips & Falls remained the top cause of workplace injuries in 2020.*

Most employers should have a work injury compensation program in place, but there are also steps an individual 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.

1. Footwear

The shoes that are worn 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.

2. Staircases

A 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.

3. Escalators

Escalator 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.

4. Footpaths

Footpaths may crack due to settling surfaces, weather damage or the action of tree roots. They can also collect puddles. Be especially cautious when walking outside in bad weather, and alert the authorities if you see these hazards so they can improve the slip resistance of these surfaces.

warning sign

5. Ramps

Slip-and-fall accidents are common on ramps as they can get slippery when it rains, 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.

6. Carparks

When navigating the carpark at work, watch out for:

Irregular surfaces
Speed bumps (see below)
Inadequate lighting

7. Speed Bumps and Curbs

Speed bumps and curbs can be a tripping hazard and should be navigated with caution. They should also be painted a bright colour 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.

* https://www.mom.gov.sg/-/media/mom/documents/safety-health/reports-stats/wsh-national-statistics/wsh-report-2020.pdf

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