Slips, trips, and falls are more common than we’d like to admit. As the National Security Council reported, more than 6.9 million people were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries in 2021.

Not only this, OSHA reported another alarming number of 584,371 accidents at work occurred in 2019 due to slips, trips, and falls, out of which 520 accidents were fatal. 

So, how do you stay ahead of these common hazards? 

By following the right safety practices and implementing preventive measures, you can reduce the chances of these incidents happening. Let’s walk through some practical tips that you can start using today to protect your workers and keep the workplace injury-free.

Pro Tip: Want to minimize slips, trips, and falls in your workplace? Download our hazard identification guide to learn how to spot potential hazards before they turn into accidents.

Identifying Common Causes

When you think of slips, trips, and falls, it might sound simple, right? Someone loses their balance, and down they go.

But in reality, it’s a bit more complicated! And definitely a lot more preventable, too. Let’s break it down:

1. Wet surfaces

Whether it is from cleaning, spills, or rain, wet floors are a huge hazard. Picture a busy manufacturing floor with slick concrete or a healthcare facility with constant cleaning. 

There’s a 100% chance of you, me, or anyone slipping!

2. Uneven surfaces

Do you know that your workers can file a lawsuit against you for any uneven workplace surfaces that may pose a threat to them?

Yes, that's right! If a worker slips, trips, or falls because of cracks in the flooring, uneven pavements, or unmarked hazards, you could be held responsible for their injuries.

It is like asking for a trip hazard. So, it's always a good idea to regularly inspect your workplace and fix any issues before they lead to costly accidents and a court case!

3. Poor lighting

Now remember, you have hired employees and not owls! 

If your workspace isn’t well-lit, it’s much harder to spot obstacles. This could be anything from debris on the floor to an unexpected step-down.

Each industry has its own unique risks. 

For instance, construction workers often deal with debris from walking surfaces and elevated platforms, while healthcare workers can face wet floors in high-traffic areas. Identifying these risks is the first step to reducing accidents.

4. Elevated Work

Falls often happen when employees work on elevated surfaces, like ladders or scaffolding. These types of falls are not just dangerous - they can be deadly.

According to OSHA, fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees. Whether it’s from improper ladder use or a lack of guardrails, falls from heights remain one of the biggest risks for workers in construction and other industries.

Falls from even a few feet can cause broken bones, head injuries, or worse, depending on the nature of the fall. That’s why it’s important to address both falls from heights and ground-level falls. 

Common hazards include: 

• Unsecured ladders
• Missing guardrails
• Improper use of fall protection equipment

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Now that we’ve identified the common hazards let’s talk about how you can assess these risks and act on them.

Conducting a Risk Assessment

A risk assessment is your starting point for preventing slips, trips, and falls. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:

1. Inspect the entire workplace: Look for hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting. Don’t forget areas like stairways, walkways, and loading docks.
2. Evaluate the level of risk: Some hazards, like spills in a kitchen, might pose a higher risk than others, like a slightly uneven floor in an office. Prioritize fixing the most dangerous risks first.
3. Engage employees: Talk to your team. They often spot risks you might miss because they’re in the thick of it daily.

A thorough risk assessment not only manages to reduce accidents but also ensures a safe working place. For instance, a council managed to reduce their slip incidents by 52% in just 9 months of implementing effective risk assessment and mitigation techniques. 

Implementing Control Measures

Once you’ve identified the risks, it’s time to mitigate them. Here are a few control measures you can put into action:

Guardrails and Barriers

Why they're critical: Guardrails are one of the most effective and cost-efficient fall prevention measures in areas where workers are exposed to fall hazards, such as rooftops, scaffolding, or platforms. They serve as a physical barrier that prevents workers from falling off edges or elevated surfaces.

Implementation: Install guardrails on all platforms, stairways, and any elevated work areas that are above four feet. OSHA regulations mandate guardrails on scaffolding above 10 feet. Ensure that guardrails meet height and load requirements (typically around 42 inches high with mid-rails at 21 inches).

Fall Arrest Systems

Why they're critical: When guardrails aren’t feasible, personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) provide critical protection by stopping a worker’s fall before they hit a lower surface.

Implementation: Ensure that each worker is equipped with a harness and connected to an appropriate anchorage point. Regularly inspect all PFAS components, including harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines, for wear and tear. Anchor points must support at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached.

Training: Workers must be trained in the proper use of fall arrest systems, including how to inspect their equipment before each use and how to avoid swing falls (a dangerous pendulum effect that can occur if the worker falls at an angle).

Using Technology for Prevention

Think about how much we rely on technology daily. We use apps to track everything from our steps to sleep, so why not use technology to keep our workplaces safer, too? 

Just like your phone alerts you about the weather, technology can warn you about potential safety risks in your work environment before they become real problems.

One great example is the alertness impairment test from SafetyIQ. This test helps you evaluate whether workers are too tired or distracted to perform their tasks safely. A fatigued employee is three times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident! This statistic is particularly concerning as fatigue can exacerbate the likelihood of slipping and tripping, especially when workers are less aware of their surroundings or too tired to respond quickly to potential dangers. 

Here are a few ways technology is making workplaces safer:

Wearable Fall Detection Devices

Wearables equipped with fall detection sensors can alert supervisors if a worker falls, ensuring timely medical intervention. These devices are particularly useful in industries like construction and oil & gas, where workers often operate in isolated or high-risk environments. Wearable technology like smart helmets or vests can detect a sudden impact or loss of verticality, sending an alert to emergency contacts or safety managers. Some wearables are even integrated with GPS to pinpoint the worker’s exact location in case of a fall.

Drones for Remote Inspections

Drones can be used to inspect hard-to-reach areas, reducing the need for workers to perform tasks at dangerous heights. Instead of having workers climb scaffolds or ladders, drones can conduct visual inspections of roofs, bridges, or other elevated structures. 

Real-Time Monitoring of Elevated Work Areas

Real-time monitoring systems can track worker movements and fall hazards in elevated areas, providing safety managers with data to make proactive adjustments. Systems that use motion sensors or cameras can detect when workers are near the edge of a platform or scaffolding.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, preventing slips, trips, and falls is all about staying one step ahead of potential hazards. It is about actively keeping your team safe and ensuring they get home injury-free. 

You can drastically reduce workplace accidents by recognizing risks, conducting regular risk assessments, and using modern technology.

And you don’t have to do it alone!

SafetyIQ has the tools to help make your job easier. Whether it's monitoring workplace conditions or tracking safety protocols, our platform is designed to give you peace of mind while keeping your workplace safe.

Ready to step up your safety game? Check out our free EHS audit checklist and ensure your safety measures are up to scratch. 

It’s a simple way to stay on top of your safety strategy and protect your workers from slips, trips, and falls!

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