The Risk Management Tool Box Blog

According to the US National Safety Council, nearly 15,000 deaths in the USA result from falls each year.

So slips, trips and falls are a significant risk at work and at home.

Here are some tips to reduce the risk:

+   Wear shoes that provide good traction for the conditions;

+   Keep floors and stairs clear of debris and spilled liquids;

+   Only carry loads that you can see over;

+   Don't walk into a dark room - use a torch or turn on the lights;

+   Repair or replace broken or uneven flooring, pavement, tiling, carpet or floorboards;

+   Keep at least one hand on the handrail when using steps or stairs;

+   Don't jump from heights (e.g., from trucks or from loading docks);

+   Don't use "home-made" or makeshift ladders or steps to reach up high;

+   When climbing ladders, face to the front and use both hands when climbing;

+   Don't over-reach from a ladder;

+   Make sure only one person uses any ladder at a time;

+   Never approach to the top step of the ladder; and

+   Make sure ladders are "footed" on flat, stable ground and if possible, "tied-off" at the top.