Preventing Slips & Trips at Work A guide to... Preventing Slips & Trips at Work

Introduction The aim of this presentation: Why you need to prevent slips and trips What the Law says Managing health and safety Examining slips and trips Cleaning and maintenance Hazards and suggested actions

Why? Why you need to prevent slips and trips... Slips and trips are the single most common cause of injury at work. Over a third of all major injuries reported each year are caused as a result of slip or trip. These slips cost employers over £512 million a year in lost production and other costs. Slips and trips also account for half of all reported injuries to members of the public. Legal actions brought as a result of an injury can be extremely damaging to business. Insurance only covers a small proportion of the costs. Slips and trips are the single most common cause of injury at work These slips cost employers over £512 million a year in lost production and other costs Legal actions brought as a result of an injury can be extremely damaging to business

What the Law says... The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) Requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees. This includes taking steps to control slip and trip risks. The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Build on HSWA and include duties on employers to assess risks (including slip and trip). The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) Requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees. This includes taking steps to control slip and trip risks. Employees must not endanger themselves or others and must use any safety equipment provided. Manufacturers and suppliers have a duty to ensure that their products are safe. They must also provide adequate information about appropriate use. The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Build on HSWA and include duties on employers to assess risks (including slip and trip). Where necessary employers must take action to safeguard health and safety. The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 Requires floors to be suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions. People must be able to move around safely. The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 Require floors to be suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions. People must be able to move around safely.

Managing Health & Safety A good management system will help you identify problem areas and decide how to act on them

Managing Health & Safety A good management system will help you identify problem areas, decide what to do, act on decisions made and check that the steps taken have been effective Plan Organise Control Monitor & Review

Planning Identify key areas of risk and set goals for improvement Employers and employees should work together to identify slip and trip hazards on site Careful selection of materials, equipment and work practices can prevent or contain slip and trip hazards Remember there will be about 40 cases of a slip or stumble, resulting in no or minor injury for every major injury incident. Careful selection of materials, equipment and work practices can prevent or contain slip and trip hazards from liquids, fine powders and objects. For example, fit splash guards and anti-slip flooring in areas that can’t be kept dry and use cordless tools to avoid trailing cables. Plan

Organisation Workers need to be involved and committed to reducing risks Give people responsibilities to ensure areas of the workplace are kept safe Keep a record of who is responsible for which arrangements and make them clear to everyone Workers need to be involved and committed to reducing risks. Give people (eg Supervisors) responsibilities to ensure that areas of the workplace are kept safe, eg getting spillages and objects cleaned up quickly, keeping access routes clear and ensuring lighting is maintained. Keep a record of who is responsible for which arrangements; take special care to include cleaning and other contractors and make these details clear to everyone. Organise

Control Check to ensure working practices and processes are being carried out properly, eg smooth floors are not left wet Keep a record of cleaning and maintenance work etc and encourage good health and safety Check to ensure working practices and processes are being carried out properly, eg smooth floors are not left wet, housekeeping is good, and any leaks from equipment and roof lights are repaired quickly. Keep a record of cleaning and maintenance work and encourage good health and safety. Control

Monitor & Review Monitor your accident investigation and inspection records Try and identify deficiencies in your arrangements – do they show improvement? Talk to safety reps about slip and trip risks – they can be a great help when identifying and solving problems Monitor & Review Monitor your accident investigation and inspection records. Try and identify deficiencies in your management arrangements – do they show improvement? Talk to any safety representatives about slip and trip risks – they can be a great help when identifying and solving problems. Employees should also be encouraged to be involved in reviewing existing control measures – they are often better placed to asses the effectiveness of the measures implemented to reduce the risks of slipping and tripping.

Examining Slip & Trip Risks All employers have to assess the risks to employees and others who may be affected by their work. This is required to control the risks and satisfy the Law The HSE recommend a 5 step approach to slip and trip risk assessment

Step 1 Look for slip and trip hazards around the workplace such as: Uneven floors Trailing cables Slippery floors And don’t forget outside areas

Step 2 Who might be harmed and how... Who comes into the workplace? Are they at risk? Do you have control over them? Remember that older people and people with disabilities may be at particular risk.

Step 3 Consider the risks... Are the precautions already taken to deal with the risks?

Step 4 Record your findings... If you have 5 or more employees

Step 5 Regularly review the assessment If any significant changes take place, make sure existing precautions and management arrangements are still adequate to deal with the risks

Cleaning & Maintenance Ensure you keep records of any cleaning and maintenance work carried out so that the system can be checked

Training Train workers in the correct use of safety and cleaning equipment Cleaning methods and equipment must be suitable for the purpose Take care not to create additional slip or trip hazards while cleaning and maintenance is being carried out You may need to get additional advice from the manufacturer or supplier regarding correct use of their products. You should carry out all maintenance work promptly (you may need outside help or guidance). Include inspection, testing, adjustment and cleaning at different intervals. Keep records so the system can be checked.

Best Practice Lighting - Floors - Obstructions - Footwear - People need to see obstructions and slippery areas – replace, repair or clean lights before they become too low for safe work Lighting - Check for loose finishes, holes and cracks, worn mats etc. Take care in the choice of floor if likely to become wet or dusty Floors - Objects lying around can cause a trip. Keep areas tidy and if obstructions can’t be moved, warn people using signs or barriers Obstructions - Obstructions – Cardboard should not be used to soak up spillages as this itself presents a trip hazard. Footwear – Seton supply a large range of footwear with slip-resistant soles – call FREE on 0800 585501. Especially important in preventing slips and trips where floors can’t be kept dry. Employers need to provide footwear if necessary to protect the workers safety. Footwear -

Hazards & Suggested Actions There are many simple steps you can take to reduce risks...

Hazards & Actions = Spillage of wet and dry substances Clean up spills immediately If a liquid is greasy ensure a suitable cleaning agent is used Dry the floor after cleaning Use appropriate barriers to warn the floor is still wet Arrange alternative bypass routes

Hazards & Actions = Trailing cables Position equipment to avoid cables crossing pedestrian routes Use cable covers to securely fix to surfaces Restrict access to prevent contact Consider use of cordless tools Remember that contractors need to be managed

Hazards & Actions = Miscellaneous rubbish, eg plastic bags Keep areas clear Remove all rubbish from work areas Don’t allow rubbish to build up

Hazards & Actions = Rugs and Mats Ensure mats are securely fixed and do not have curling edges Make sure your entrance mat was designed for that specific purpose – it will soak up the damp and dirt from shoes

Hazards & Actions = Poor Lighting Improve lighting levels Think about the placement of light fittings Ensure more even lighting of all floor areas so people can see obstructions

Hazards & Actions = Slippery Surfaces Assess the cause and treat accordingly Always keep the surface dry if wet causes the problem In certain situations you may have to treat them chemically Ensure you use appropriate cleaning methods

Hazards & Actions = Change from wet to dry floor surface Provide suitable footwear Warn of risks using signs Locate door mats where these changes are likely

Hazards & Actions = Changes of level and slopes Try to avoid changes of level – if you can’t, improve lighting and highly visible tread nosing to steps etc For slopes, improve visibility, provide handrails and use floor markings to indicate the slope

Hazards & Actions = Smoke/steam obscuring view Eliminate or control by redirecting it away from risk areas Improve ventilation and warn of it

Hazards & Actions = Unsuitable footwear Ensure workers wear suitable footwear, particularly with the correct type of sole If the type of work requires special footwear, the employer is required by law to provide it free of charge

Further Information www.setoncatalogue.co.uk For products to help you prevent slips and trips in your workplace, browse our online catalogue: www.setoncatalogue.co.uk This presentation contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory but which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do. Source: HSE. More information can be found on the HSE Slips and Trips website: www.hse.gov.uk/slips/index.htm