Health and Safety within the workplace operates to handle hazards and ensure that they cannot cause any harm to the persons operating within and around the hazard.Would you believe that slips and trips cause 40 per cent of all reported major injuries? Slips and trips can be the most common form of a health and safety breach and can often occur due to pure negligence towards standard policies and statements which work to avoid such situations occurring. This blog outlines 5 ways your business can reduce the risk of slips and trips within the workplace.
1. Housekeeping Services
You may have a requirement to have a consistent cleaning and maintenance presence of key areas in your building(s) such as reception, meeting rooms, washrooms, welfare areas and kitchens. This is vital to maintain and create a clean, tidy and safe environment which is conducive to a productive and happy workforce.
2. Electrical Equipment Organisation
With the increasing reliance on technology, it's not surprising that most workplaces are filled with equipment and machinery that can cause an abundance of wires to be leading here, there and everywhere. If this sounds familiar, then it is crucial to ensure that these wires are organised and placed in an organised setting. Stray and loose wires can create a huge trip hazard, especially if they suddenly appear out of nowhere due to not being tied in place securely. Make sure that all of the wires being used in your business are stored correctly and are fixed tightly to avoid a trip or slip occurring in this area.
3. Daily Cleaning
Daily cleaning can also be utilised to reduce hazards. Having a cleaning company see to your property regularly reduces the risk of spillages and leaks and clutter presenting themselves for a long enough time to create a hazard. These will be dealt with daily to keep your premises and work spaces clean and clear.
4. Manage Entrances
Entrances can often create hazards as they are the first impact people have from walking from the outside to inside. This of course can bring in water, mud and numerous other substances that can be brought in by foot. This will just remain at the entrance, leaving slippery surfaces for others to walk in and out on, again leading to potential trips. This can be managed simply by ensuring that you have durable mats placed to absorb the risky substances. Daily cleaning can also help maintain this problem.
5. Lighting Arrangements
Poorly lit working areas can create harmful environments as it reduces vision, leading to individuals not seeing a hazard before them. Areas that have stairs, steps or slopes should be constantly well lit so that all personnel within an area can clearly see where they are walking and are crucial to reduce slips and trips in the workplace.
WINNS Services have been established for over two decades and provide clients with high standards in all cleaning and mechanical and electronic services. For more information or to book any of our services please contact us on 01702 719100 or email us at info@winnsservices.co.uk.
