Safety Health Awareness Day for Hospitality Management Preventing Slips and Trips in the Workplace David Walker/Karl MartinTorbay Council

Why are slips and trips so important to my business ? Slips and Trips are the most common cause of accidents. Over a third of all major accidents reported each year are the result of slips trips and falls. Slip, and trip accidents cost YOU the employer in terms of insurance costs and time off work. Effective solutions for dealing with slips and trips are often cheap to implement and lead to savings in the long term. One of the most important factors in controlling slips and trips in the workplace is an effective cleaning program.

What does the law say? The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work. This includes taking steps to control risks by slips trips and falls. The Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations 1999 includes duties on employers to assess slip and trip risks and where necessary take action to safeguard Health and Safety. The Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 requires floors to be suitable and fit for purpose, in good condition and free from obstructions. People must be able to move around safely.

How do I prevent Slips ? Prevent contamination of floor Control contamination Eliminate adverse environmental conditions Improve Floor Conditions Put in footwear controls There is no single “magic” solution to preventing slips. However, ALL slips are preventable. By following these simple stages you can greatly reduce the risk of a slip or trip accident occurring in your premises.

Preventing Trips Preventing trips relies on ensuring that all three points of the “Trip Potential Triangle” are effectively managed: Walkways Housekeeping Design and maintenance Walkways Design and Maintenance Housekeeping

Counting the costs Prevention Cost Non-slip flooring £4,000 Non slip footwear £20 Repair uneven floor£500 Cable tidy£10 Cleaning materials£100 Staff training £700 TOTAL £5,330 Accident Cost 3 weeks off work£900 Raised insurance £1000 Personal injury claim £10,000 Fine from Local £8000 Authority prosecution Solicitors and Court £3000 Costs TOTAL £22,900

AND REMEMBER BAD PUBLICITY COSTS BUSINESS !