Slip N' Fall Accidents Are No Joke...Is Your Facility Taking The Proper Precautions?

With summer clearly behind us, and inclement weather on its way, if you haven’t already, it is time to start putting in place proper floor safety precautions for your building and reminding your employees so they are aware of any changes.

According to OSHA (U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration) slips, trips and falls account for 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.

Many of these accidents are avoidable if the following safety procedures are in place:

• Using/increasing the number/length of entrance mats at all entrances or other high traffic areas that are vulnerable to slip and fall accidents. 

• Any mat that curls up or under in the corners should be immediately replaced, as it is a matter of time before you, your employees, or your customers trip on it.

• Using a professional mat cleaning service even just for the winter months (worth the low weekly cost and peace of mind) is heavily recommended as mats that are soaking wet and soiled are completely useless. Over time, they could even become partially frozen causing an unforeseen and unnecessary accident.

• Ensure your janitorial company is mopping lower traffic areas first and then working their way back to the high traffic areas towards the end of their shift to reduce the possibility of accidents

• If your staff often works late and this is unavoidable, then make sure your janitorial company is taking the proper safety precautions, such as setting up “WET FLOOR” signs, and not leaving behind garbage, vacuum cords, or any other potential hazards in the main hall/walkway entrances. 
  

 
Since it’s getting dark earlier and remaining dark later, here are some additional precautionary reminders to think about:

• The lighting in your parking lot. Are all the lights working properly? Do you have ample lighting and safety lights for you, your staff, customers, and vendors?

• Don’t leave in a rush; take your time leaving the building, looking for black ice or unsalted areas.

• Consider the shoes you are wearing in and out of work. They should be non-skid soles. You can change into your other shoes when you get into the office.

• Be aware of your surroundings: If you leave late or lock up, be sure to scan the parking lot looking for any suspicious activity before setting the alarm and leaving. Do not leave talking on the phone or listening to music on your headphones, as this will make you an easy target and distract your judgment; especially when you’re dusting, scraping, and warming your car up.

• Since parking lots (even though plowed/salted) will be slick, your balance will be compromised, so be sure to be careful when carrying heavy loads, or break up the amount of trips to prevent injury.
  

Simply following the guidelines above and reminding your employees and vendors (starting with hiring a competent janitorial company in Kalamazoo) of your safety precautions, policies, and making them aware of any changes at your facility will help minimize any unnecessary slip and fall accidents this winter.

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