How to Prevent Slips and Falls
Slip and fall occurs whenever there is too little friction or traction between your feet and the surface you are walking on.
While the major cause of slip and falls is surface contamination that reduces the contact between the feet and the floor surface, there are several other factors that also contribute to slip falls like the environment, footwear, floor material, use of surface, behaviour. Some of the contaminants can be water, oil, dust and anything that reduces the traction and make the floor surface slippery. No single solution, any one solution — be it slip-resistant shoes, micro etching, mats, proper cleaning practices or worker awareness — will not eliminate the hazard.
Walking to and from parking lots and between buildings during the winter requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling. We often forget how dangerous slipping and falling can be. The National Safety Council estimates that occupational falls cause more than 1500 deaths per year, along with approximately 300,000 injuries. No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from streets and sidewalks, employees will encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors in the winter.
Wet floors and slippery sidewalks are among the leading reasons people slip and fall. Such falls are especially hazardous to people over age 65, whose bones are more likely to fracture during a fall. Snow, rain, and ice compound the problem during winter. You may believe slips are unavoidable, but there are preventive measures you can take. Here are some suggestions for reducing your church’s risk of slips and falls:
Create a snow-removal plan to keep all parking lots, walkways, and entrances free of ice and snow. Pay special attention to walkways on the north side of the church. Because areas may refreeze, volunteers should check walkways and parking lots well before each service begins and just before each service ends.
There are numerous safety measures you can take to prevent slips and falls in your home.
• Stairways should have handrails on both sides.
• Attach safety treads to steps.
• Remove tripping hazards such as throw rugs, furniture, and clutter from walkways.
• Use self-adhesive non-skid mats or safety treads in bathtubs, showers, and pools.
Preventing Slips And Falls With A Little Common Sense:
Accidents do happen, however, most slips and falls could and should have been prevented. The key to preventing most slips and falls are following some simple common sense tips.
Take the time to identify, control and eliminate the hazards around your home to lower your chances of slips and falls.
