Slip-and-fall accidents in the workplace occur more often than you might think. According to the CDC, 26% of nonfatal work injuries are caused by slips, trips, and falls. Additionally, OSHA reports that these accidents lead to more than 700 deaths annually.
Given these statistics, it’s crucial for both employees and business owners to take every precaution to avoid a slip-and-fall disaster. If you’ve experienced a slip-and-fall accident on the job, the attorneys at a trusted Miami law firm can assist you.
Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. Continue reading for tips and strategies to prevent workplace slip-and-fall injuries.
1. Ensure Design Safety to Prevent Slip-and-Fall Accidents
The first step in preventing a slip-and-fall accident at work is to minimize workplace hazards during the design phase. Several design strategies can help prevent your workplace from becoming a slip-and-fall accident hotspot, including:
- Equipping entryways with non-slip mats.
- Maintaining sufficient lighting in work areas, pathways, and other critical locations.
- Marking steps, ramps, and other potential hazards with reflective materials or colors.
- Adhering to OSHA standards concerning railings, coverings, toeboards, and similar safety measures.
2. Develop Safe Procedures to Avoid a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen in any work environment, from construction sites to office buildings. It’s essential to develop OSHA-compliant procedures to ensure a safe workplace. Some key practices include:
- Properly ventilating exhaust fumes, dust particles, and other airborne contaminants.
- Checking for loose electrical wiring, cords, and other obstacles that create unsafe walking conditions.
- Continually updating and reviewing standard operating procedures to ensure safety compliance.
3. Maintain Your Property to Minimize Slip-and-Fall Hazards
Even if your workplace is designed safely and follows secure processes, these efforts can fail without consistent maintenance. When hiring maintenance staff, ensure they:
- Maintain a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule.
- Take preventative measures to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.
- Regularly inspect irrigation and plumbing systems.
- Receive ongoing safety training and updates on safety protocols.
4. Be Prepared for Inclement Weather
Rain, thunderstorms, and other forms of inclement weather can create hazardous conditions for any workplace in Miami. All staff should be trained on best practices for dealing with such weather, and every business should have a plan for safely managing rain, wet surfaces, and other related hazards.
5. Regularly Train Employees to Avoid Activities That May Lead to a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Employees can sometimes become so focused on their tasks that they overlook safety protocols. It’s vital for businesses to provide safety training during onboarding and continuously throughout employment. Regular training ensures that employees are aware of and follow practices that reduce the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents.