Significance of Slips and Trips Toolbox Talk
One of the most common causes of injuries at work is slips, trips and falls. They count for more than a third of all harmful incidents on average and can result in other sorts of mishaps like falls from height. An ideal way to avoid such dangerous situations, is to provide a slips and trips toolbox talk for employees. In order to reduce the likelihood of such incidents, we need to address possible causes of slips, trips and falls in the workplace and decide whether the organisation is taking satisfactory measures to avoid them. As soon as the risk factors have been recognised, then it becomes our responsibility to control them. Some of the common causes that can lead to slips, trips, and falls consist of imbalanced walking surfaces, clutter, wet or oily surface, uncovered wires and cables, bad lighting, blocked views and weather hazards like rain, ice or snow.
Preventive Measures
Now these accidents can be avoided by following some preventive measures for assuring the safety and well-being of every person associated with the organisation. A simple solution to prevent damaging consequences is to implement good housekeeping practices. It should be opted as a daily practice, which means clear-out the clutter on an ongoing basis, instead of piling up a mess. Additional means consist of using slip-resistant shoes and being watchful while walking on rough, muddy and wet surfaces.
An effective slip and trips toolbox talk should address useful tips for avoid walking on hazardous surfaces. However, in case that surface is not levelled, or made of materials that can increase the likelihood of slips, trips and falls, then it becomes our responsibility to introduce precautionary measures. There are many practical solutions in order to improve our walkways on the job site, such as using pressure-sensitive abrasive floorings or mats. Similarly, the workers should request for replacement or paint of the flooring if it causes hazardous situations. Correspondingly, we should ensure everyone at the workplace is aware of the risk factor, to reduce the possibility of someone getting injured due to that.
Additionally, our footwear of choice in the workplace, plays a great role in our safety. The employees should be asked to wear work boots on job site when relevant. In order to reduce unfortunate events, the work boots should have proper fit along with treads. The workers should regularly inspect the soles of their work boots, to confirm they are still intact. Moreover, the way we walk can have a great impact on reducing the chances of slips, trips, and falls. The employees should be asked to be fully aware of where they walk, as it can save them from many risky situations, if a spill is noticed before stepping in it. In case the workers have to walk where it is dark, then they should be obligated to use proper light sources like flashlights or already installed light sources. Likewise, it needs to be ensured the walkways in front of us can be seen properly, while carrying or moving materials.
On construction sites common safety risks include slips, trips, and falls in particular. Therefore, we should make sure that everyone is always mindful of their surroundings and the surfaces they walk on. An employer must ensure that appropriate safety tips are discussed during the toolbox talks. In this context, the workers should be asked to use fall protection at all times, for heights above 4 feet. Every worker must be obligated to use suitable securing for holes and windows to prevent any unfortunate situation. More to the point, it must be mandatory to use acceptable fall protection like a full-body harness with a retractable lanyard that is properly attached 100% of the time to an agreed anchor point. In the same way, everyone should make certain that appropriate ladder safety techniques are followed, while climbing ladders.
Last but not the least, in case anyone observes a hazard, then it is their moral responsibility to inform other co-workers and foremen without any delay. The best solution to keep our workplace safe and clean, is to work together as a team where everyone one feels protected for their well-being.
If you need to provide a toolbox talk related to slips, trips and falls, then our Slips, Trips and Falls Toolbox Talk might be of interest to you.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a range of ready to deliver toolbox talks, then you might be interested in our toolbox talk packages. These include a range of toolbox talks at a cost-effective price.
