notsram40's Journal

Beware the Hidden Dangers at Work

What are the greatest dangers you face in your working day? Where do the dangers lie? When will this accident happen to you?

If you are a miner working with heavy machinery, or a disposal expert handling hazardous materials, or a fire fighter entering burning buildings, then the dangers are obvious and adequate training is given as a matter of course. The hazards of working in an office may be less obvious, but are still there and proper training still needs to be given. For the majority of us some of the greatest dangers lie in wait for us as we simply walk across the office!

Statistically, most accidents in the workplaceare the result of slips, trips and falls. "Major injury" statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that, year on year, around half of all major injuries to employees are caused by slipping, tripping and falling. Last year the figure rose to 57%, with 43 fatalities. The HSE statistics also show that the rate of injury increases steadily with age.

There are two main things to bear in mind if you are to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. Firstly, it is vitally important that one remains aware of the potential dangers that exist in one's environment. Secondly, each employee must take personal responsibility for their actions. Once on top of these two, prevention is almost an automatic outcome. A workplace accident nearly always hinges on something relatively trivial which could have easily been avoided. That's why training is so important.

Good training is clear and simple to understand. The causes of Slips trips and falls are highlighted and explained in such a way that the information is retained. Training needs to reinforce the message that we must responsibility for all those hazards we come across and not just those we cause ourselves. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Section 7 - General duties of employees at work says “It shall be the duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work”

So what should your slips, trips and falls training realistically cover?

Good housekeeping is probably the most fundamental requirement. This covers a range of responsibilities. One in three major slips, trips and falls are the result of wet surfaces, so clean up any fluids that are dropped or spilt and ensure surfaces are dried thoroughly after cleaning. Clear warning signs should be put in place until this is done. All walkways have to be kept clear, with particular attention given to areas with the heaviest footfall (e.g. stairs and entrances). Make sure areas are well-lit. Ensure floors and floor coverings are not a trip hazard. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 when talking about the conditions of floors state that (2a) “…the floor shall have no hole or slope or be uneven or slippery so as to expose any person to a risk to his health and safety; and (3) every floor in a workplace shall be kept free from obstructions and from any article or substance which may cause a person to slip, trip or fall”

The time was that a paper cut was the greatest risk posed by office equipment. Times have changed and the digital revolution has wrought many wonders. But it has also brought new dangers, as cables litter the floors and walls of so many workplaces. With so many wires everywhere, it is all too easy for people to slip, trip or fall. So-called “raceways” can be used to cover up and secure cables to the floor, reducing trip hazards. Many modern office desks are fitted with grommets through which cables can be passed, so they’re not left hanging down the back of desks.

Personal factors also influence the likelihood of such accidents. Tiredness, feeling unwell, hurrying, complacency, distraction are all key causes. How many people do you see walking and texting at the same time? How many inadequately mop up some spilt water with a tissue and leave the desk smeared with a film of slippery liquid? How many idly swing back and forth on their swivel chair when bored? These are all slips, trips and falls waiting to happen!

As previously mentioned, stairways are particularly dangerous areas, offering as they do the potential to fall so much further and harder. The HSE statistics show that nearly as many people suffered injuries at work in 2009/2010 falling down stairs, as falling from a height (e.g. ladders, scaffolding, platforms). So this is an area where special attention should be paid to both good housekeeping and personal factors.

Safety in the work place should be an ongoing concern. Conduct regular checks for potential accidents. Reassess employees on a regular basis with consideration given to where additional training may be appropriate. If the worst does come to the worst anda slip, trip or fall does occur, then it is important you respond quickly and appropriately, collecting the facts and using the knowledge gained to stop it happening again.

It’s a simple message - too many serious accidents are happening when they shouldn't be. In most cases they are caused by individual carelessness and inattentiveness. Helping to protect yourself and your colleagues from slips, trips and falls is really very simple and usually costs nothing but a little increased consideration.