Source: Safety Culture
What are Slips, Trips, and Falls?
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common hazards in the workplace. They put many workers at risk of sprains, strains, cuts, bruises, fractures, and other injuries. At worst, they can also lead to death, especially in high-risk occupations such as construction. However, with adequate training and safety practices, companies can keep their personnel safe from these hazards.
For context, slips occur when there’s little to no traction between the footwear and the walking surface, causing a person to lose their balance. On the other hand, tripping happens when a person’s foot hits an object or steps down to a lower, uneven surface. Any of the two can disrupt a person’s balance and make them lose their footing.
Lastly, falls (being the leading cause of fatalities among construction workers) can happen to anyone if they stumble and fall too far off their center balance. This commonly occurs for those working at heights.