Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
TITLE
Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
A recent slip trip fall event at the Ridge Chipping Sodbury resulted in a +3 day lost time injury reportable to the HSE. A bruising injury was sustained to the head and back of the Injured Person caused by a spilt beverage in a welfare area. The individual that caused the spillage was attempting to clean up the beverage with a wet cloth at the time the IP Fell.
The individual attempting to clean the spillage did inform the IP of the hazard verbally but by this time the IP had already stepped onto the wet floor.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
Housekeeping top tips –
- Identify the hazard with a Warning Notice
- Use the correct amount of cleaning product
- Detergent needs time to work on greasy floors
- Cleaning equipment will only be effective if it is well maintained
- A dry mop or squeegee will reduce floor-drying time
- Whilst the floor is damp there will be a slip risk.
- A well-wrung mop will leave a thin film of water sufficient enough to create a slip risk on a smooth floor.
- Spot clean where possible.
Advice from the HSE Prevention of Slip, Trip Falls at Work Campaign:
Cleaning and maintenance -
- Train workers in the correct use of any safety and cleaning equipment provided.
Cleaning methods and equipment must be suitable for the type of surface being treated.
- You may need to get advice from the manufacturer or supplier.
- Take care not to create additional slip or trip hazards while cleaning and maintenance work is being completed.
- Carry out all necessary maintenance work promptly (you may need to get outside help or guidance). Include inspection, testing, adjustment and cleaning at suitable intervals.
- Keep records so that the system can be checked.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
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