Empowering Employees: Workplace Safety Tips To Avoid Slip and Falls

Serious injuries amount to lost productivity in the workplace when workers are poorly prepared for or unaware of the dangers of slip and fall accidents. As an attorney can explain, employees themselves are crucial in preventing these accidents, as being aware of and following proper safety guidelines can help avoid them. Understanding how slip and fall accidents occur is key to preventing them, as well as making the workplace safer.

Common Causes of Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents can occur due to a number of causes. Some of the most common causes include:

• Jagged and slick surfaces—spilled liquids, mopped floors, and broken or elevated surfaces can increase fall risks
• Messy areas and obstacles—misplaced materials, tools, wires, or even trash can become tripping hazards
• Dimly lit areas—poor lighting in work areas may make seeing potential hazards difficult
• Unsafe footwear—wearing shoes without good traction, grip, or support may lead to slippage and falls

Taking the time to learn these safety hazards may aid employees in recognizing when they or others are at risk of slip and fall injuries in the workplace.

Preventative Advice

Both employers and employees must prioritize workplace safety in order to reduce potential slip and fall accidents. Some measures that could help in preventing injuries from slip and falls are:

• Clean and dry floors—cleaning up spills when they happen, using warning signs for areas that are wet, and ensuring walkways are not messy
• Proper footwear—wearing closed-toe shoes that have decent traction to prevent slip and falls within the work area
• Well-lit work areas—providing good lighting for employees to identify any potential hazards that may arise
• Handrails and safety features—ensuring all work personnel use handrails when available, as well as maintaining the cleanliness and usability of stairways and ramps

Following these general guidelines may assist in prioritizing better safety and accident prevention.

Make Safety Preparations To Avoid Slip and Fall Accidents at Work

Safety in the workplace is a responsibility everyone shares, through awareness and active prevention, to help avoid slip and fall injuries. By learning to recognize some common workplace hazards, following safety protocols becomes easier for both the employee and employer.

However, if you have an accident due to employer negligence, it can be beneficial to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. At Lowenthal & Abrams, we are dedicated to helping workers understand the legal process involved in seeking compensation for workplace injuries. Contact our legal team today to review your legal options.