SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS

Slippery and uneven floors in the workplace are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply tripping or falling over.

Factors that can cause a fall include when:

• surfaces are slippery (e.g. surfaces are wet, polished or oily);
• the surface texture of the floor is unsuitable (e.g. ceramic, wood, concrete, vinyl);
• footwear is unsuitable;
• moving from one surface to another;
• floor levels change;
• equipment, tools, rubbish are causing obstructions in work areas;
• stock blocks access ways;
• steps and ladders are used incorrectly;
• clothing is caught;
• lighting is unsatisfactory; and
• struck by a moving or falling object.

Other factors may have a detrimental effect on a person's behaviour or performance (e.g. exposure to chemicals or electricity) that may increase the risk of a fall.

In some workplaces, floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Many falls in the workplace have involved young workers aged less than 25 years, and could have been prevented with training and safe work practices.

A fall can cause injury to the arms, legs, back, neck or head. Neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many workers have suffered permanent disabling injuries or death as a result of a fall.

Falls occur in many different workplaces and can be grouped into the following three categories:

• 1. slips, trips and falls (falls on the same level);
• 2. falls from a height (a fall from one level to another); and
• 3. falls into a depth.

Slippery surfaces in the Retail Industry include:

• cool rooms;
• freezers;
• deli areas;
• meat rooms;
• bakery areas; and
• storage areas.