Slips, Trips and Falls
 | | Slippery floors in the workplace are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply slipping and falling over. |
A slip or fall can cause injury to the arms, legs, back, neck or head. Neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many employees have suffered permanent disabling injuries or death as a result of a fall.
Your employer can reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls by providing a suitable non-slip floor surface and good lighting and safe work procedures. In some workplaces floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and ramps provided where floor levels change.
You should follow instructions and safe work procedures provided by your employer, which may include:
sweeping things like metal shavings up regularly;
cleaning all spills immediately;
making sure there are no trailing electrical cords on the floor; and
keeping the floors and walkways free of materials, steel, boxes, tools, equipment and rubbish.
