By Forrest Richardson, CSP, ARME
Director of Safety, Fit For Work
In 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, cited the Fall Protection – Construction Industry General Requirements standard a total of 7,271 times. According to the National Safety Council, 560,130 incidents involving slip, trip, and falls were reported across all industries between 2021 and 2023, with falls being cited as the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death.
The average cost of slip, trip, and fall medical expenses is approximately $27,668, with the average cost of fall indemnity-related expenses totaling $22,668, resulting in an average total cost of $49,971. Note: Medical expenses vary by state which may affect totals listed above.
With so much at stake, how can the risk of a workplace slip, trip, or fall be minimized? Below are 10 housekeeping tips to help lessen the risk and create a safer, more productive work environment.
Housekeeping Tips
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Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and comply with standards, rules, and regulations issued under the OSHA General Duty Clause, Section 5 (a)(1).
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Report and clean up spills and leaks.
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Keep the workroom floors clean, and dry if possible. When wet processes are used, drainage should be provided.
- Keep aisles, walking-working surfaces, and exits clear of items, such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.
- Consider installing mirrors and warning signs to help with blind spots.
- Replace worn, ripped, or damaged flooring.
- Consider installing anti-slip flooring in areas that can’t always be cleaned; use drip pans and guards.
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Inspect and maintain walking-working surfaces on a regular basis to ensure they remain in good condition.
- Establish or update operating procedures and communicate them so that employees follow safety and health requirements.
- Provide relevant housekeeping health and safety training in a language and vocabulary workers can understand.
We Can Help
If your business is in need of assistance with your workplace safety program, Fit For Work can help. We partner with organizations like yours all across the country to prioritize the safety and well-being of your workforce while fostering a culture of proactive risk management and compliance excellence. Contact us today to learn more.
Miss the Safety Leadership series? Click here for Part 1: How Leaders Can Nurture a Successful Health and Safety Program.
