Fall hazards are some of the most common causes of serious injuries and deaths in the workplace. Fall-related incidents can happen during everyday tasks, such as walking or climbing stairs. Other potential fall hazards include slippery areas, cluttered walkways, and damaged or unkempt floors.
Fall-related injuries and deaths can occur across all industries, not just in high-risk sectors like construction. In fact, data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) shows that 8 per cent of the 441,000 non-fatal injuries reported in 2020-21 were caused by falls from height. These incidents occurred across many sectors, including manufacturing, transport, forestry and fishing. Examples of non-fatal fall-related injuries include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Back and neck injuries
According to the HSE, falls account for 25 per cent of all fatal workplace injuries. Even falls from heights less than 2 metres can be deadly, which is why it’s important for employees to follow fall precautions. After all, many falls are preventable if proper protocols are followed.
The following fall prevention tips can help reduce or eliminate potential hazards in your workplace:
- Wear appropriate, non-slip footwear.
- Use proper personal protective equipment—including fall protection equipment—whenever necessary.
- Ensure your workspace is free from clutter and potential obstacles.
- Clean up any spills immediately to keep floors clean and dry.
- Inspect all equipment before using it and never use equipment you are not trained on.
- Set ladders on a stable area and always maintain three points of contact to keep your balance.
For more information about risk management in the workplace contact one of our risk specialists today.
