At some point in our lives, we’ve had cause to slip, trip or fall. Some of us escaped with minor bruises but some others got hospitalised. We might have heard of someone who died as a result of this. Slips, Trips and Falls are normally grouped together because it has to do with falling either on the same level or from a height. They are a major cause of accidents both in the workplace and at home. Slips occur on the same level either due spills, wrong footwear or the flooring type. Trips also occur on the same level either due uneven flooring, unseen objects, trailing cables etc. Falls are usually from a height and it could vary from stairs to buildings.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Good housekeeping
A neat and orderly home/workplace is a great safety tool. You might know how to manoeuvre your space without incident but what happens if a child or visitor is introduced to your environment?
- Always reroute trailing cables. Don’t plug the laptop in Point A and travel to sit at Point G. This goes for every equipment with long cords. Always place in such a way that no one would trip. If this is unavoidable, then you need to ANNOUNCE the presence of a hazard. Put up bold and legible caution signs.
- Always mop up spills whenever you see them. Some of us are guilty of turning a blind eye because we do not want to “work” or it’s not our “job”. But what happens if for some reason you have to rush, you forget where the spill is and you couldn’t side-step it this time? You’re right, some body part might get twisted.
- Always complete one task before starting another. Put away things you have finished using in their right locations. Close compartments/cabinets/drawers after use before opening another. Asides hitting your head, they could cause you to fall. Yes, we know you want to multi task and achieve everything at once. However, you are safer, one task at a time.
- Remove obstructions from walkways. You just never know when you’d have to pass that same walkway at a faster or distracted pace. Be sensitive to the new people entering your space by thinking of their safety.
- Ensure carpets and rugs are properly laid. Many have tripped and fallen from uneven floor covering.
- Adequate lighting of workplaces and homes. If the environment is properly lit, it would help you see and avoid trip hazards. Therefore, when a light bulbs get faulty, do something about it because it could save the next person.
Appropriate footwear
It’s important to wear appropriate footwear to different environments. If work or leisure would take you outdoors, you need to wear footwear with good grip to prevent falls. There are different footwear for different terrains. Know where you are going and choose right. The right footwear gives you comfort and keeps you safe when you encounter trip hazards.
Choice of flooring
Inasmuch as we want to beautify our homes and workplaces, we should not compromise our safety. When choosing flooring plans, choose designs with good traction. Modifications can be made to existing floor choices to make them anti-slip. Always consult an expert.
Be Attentive
If you put on the right footwear, have good floors, keep your space clean and orderly but do not pay attention to where you’re going, you are likely to trip, slip or fall. Avoid distractions when moving around. Drop the phones. If you have to use your phone, pause to do that before you continue moving.
Reporting
When you see something wrong: faulty bulbs, trailing cables, spills, uneven floors and other trip hazards, do something about it. If you are in a position to correct the situation, do so immediately. If you are not, report to appropriate authority to take action. Your action could save a life.
Image credit: @844-after-crash, @ulomka
