Look. Consider. Decide
Slips, trips and falls can cause some of the most serious injuries our people suffer. To date this year, we have recorded 878 slip and trips accidents – 175 of which resulted in colleagues being unable to attend work and recorded as a lost time accident.
From these accidents, 81 colleagues reported major injuries such as fractured ankles, wrists, legs and hips. Following the guidelines below will help you avoid slips and trips:
- Store equipment in approved locations, taking care not to block walkways and emergency exits.
- Immediately report and clean up any spills.
- Ensure your footwear is in good condition.
- Avoid walking while reading at the same time.
When working outdoors at this time of year colleagues have to contend with reduced daylight, and the additional hazards that autumn brings.
- Please be aware of the following guidelines to help you avoid slips and trips when outdoors:
- Beware fallen leaves particularly in the wet.
- Where possible avoid stepping on leaves.
- Leaves can obscure hazards underfoot such as steps, paving edges or kerbs. Be aware of changes in surface levels to help prevent a fall.
- Slow down, take smaller steps and avoid ‘heel first’ contact with leaves.
Look. Consider. Decide
Whether you are working indoors or outdoors, your surroundings can change. It is important for colleagues to recognise any potential hazards, so they can decide how to respond correctly. This is often referred to as a ‘dynamic risk assessment’ but put more simply, we use the phrase ‘Look. Consider. Decide.’
By adapting our behaviours to any hazards present in the environment we’re working in, we can reduce the likelihood of getting injured.
