Whether it’s manufacturing, retail, offices or restaurants, slips and falls in the business environment can be serious and should be everyone’s concern. Most falls are preventable with simple common sense and basic steps to keep a tidy, organized environment.
No matter how large or small the business is, the potential for injury to customers and employees is always there.
Safety Program
- Every business should have a written, structured safety program that involves support and direction from leadership; training and participation of all employees; a way to identify, prevent and control any safety hazards; and regular evaluation and changes, as needed.
Employee Responsibility
Workplace safety is everyone’s job, for the safety of employees and customers.
- No employee should walk past a spill, torn carpet, obstructed aisle way or other condition that could cause a slip, trip, or fall without correcting it promptly or immediately posting a warning sign, and notifying management.
- Read all safety signs posted at your workplace.
- Your work station should always be kept clean and orderly.
- Clean up after yourself.
- Notify co-workers of dangers in your surroundings.
- Always act with caution when using a ladder.
- Never use a ladder that isn’t secure.
- Do not string electrical cords across walking paths.
- Place safety markers to identify hazards that cannot be removed.
- Identify floors that may be slippery due to moisture.
In general:
For all businesses:
- Provide adequate lighting.
- Provide foot wipers or nonskid runners near all entranceways, particularly during inclement weather.
- Use barricades and/or warning signs to alert customers of hazardous floor conditions.
- Repair floor coverings, such as carpeting or tile, when damaged or worn.
- Immediately repair any roof leaks/ plumbing leaks.
- Make sure all stairs have proper handrails.
- Keep aisle ways clear and unobstructed.
- Eliminate the use of extension cords that can cause tripping.
- Alert customers to any changes in floor levels, such as step-downs.
- Have a first aid kit available.
Floors and Aisles
- Do not wax, polish or treat floors in any way that may cause a slippery surface.
- Make sure all floor coverings, including carpets and tiles, are secure and in good condition.
- Make sure any change in floor elevation is properly marked or identified.
- All floors and aisles should be properly illuminated.
- Clean up all spills immediately.
- Keep aisles clear and accessible.
Stairs
- All stairs should be marked and brightly illuminated.
- Keep all objects off of stairs.
- Provide handrails.
- Keep stairs dry at all times.
For restaurants, in addition to the above:
- Pick up spills or dropped food immediately.
- Keep service counters clean. Make sure there is nothing a child can grab or that can cause injury.
- If there is a condiment or beverage area, provide regular checks to keep it clean. Keep floors clean of water, food, trash, ice, and so forth. This includes restroom floors.
- Maintain housekeeping logs.
Parking Lots
- Repair potholes or depressions. Use barricades and/or warning signs until repairs are made.
- Provide proper lighting and signage in the lot.
