Now that you know the facts, here’s how to help prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Use Floor Mats
Floor mats provide slip-resistant walking surfaces and help remove dirt, debris, and liquid from shoes. Make sure they are large enough to cover the entryway or work area and have beveled edges for a smooth transition from floor to mat. Most importantly, replace mats that have curling, frayed, or worn edges, because damaged mats can actually do more harm than good.
Keep Floors Clear
Messy and cluttered areas are accidents waiting to happen. Keep aisles and walkways clear by thinking “Lean”. Organize storage areas with wire shelving. For heavier contents, keep them on heavy-duty risers to make cleaning easier.
Corral Your Cables
Invest in cable tethers. They not only keep cords, wires, and leads neatly out of the way, they help prevent them from “walking away” to another department, saving valuable budget dollars. Budget tight? Use cable ties.
“Facts” Sources: NIOSH’s Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention for Healthcare Workers & OSHA’s Estimated Costs of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Worksheet.