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Slip & Fall Protection

Slips and falls account for a large percentage of emergency room visits each year in the U.S. Preventative measures can reduce the occurrence of these types of accidents in the workplace and at home.

  1. Statistics

    • According to the University of Florida, IFAS Extension, in 2007, 21,600 deaths in the U.S. were the result of falls. "EHS Today" magazine reports that falls account for the majority of emergency room visits concerning accidental injury. According to the Office of Compliance Safety and Health, workplace falls are the third-leading cause of on-the-job fatalities.

    Prevention

    • According to the National Agricultural Safety Database, proper maintenance of walking areas will assist in preventing falls. Adequate lighting is also of vital importance, as a person can easily trip over an object that otherwise would be plainly visible under proper lighting. Spills should be cleaned immediately, as liquids can be difficult to see until it is too late. Objects should be kept in their proper place, rather than scattered where they could be tripped over, and slip-proof footwear is also beneficial. These safety measures should be implemented in the workplace, as well as in the home.

    Considerations

    • Safety training in the workplace is available through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA Training Institute courses are available on workplace safety and accident prevention for private industry and state and federal employees.

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