Preventing Slips, Trips And Falls One Step At A Time

Health statistics indicate that the average person should take at least 10,000 steps a day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That leaves us with at least 10,000 different opportunities for a slip, trip and fall accident to occur.

These types of accidents have become a serious concern for the American public, and understandably so. According to the U.S. Occupational & Health Administration, slips, trips and falls are the second most common cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. — accounting for roughly 15 percent.

In addition to the general public, these accidents are a large liability for cleaning managers and top facility executives. If an employee experiences a slip, trip and fall accident, it could result in extended absences, lost productivity, high worker compensation claims or reduced employee morale.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls in the workplace accounted for more than 700 deaths and more than 200,000 injuries involving days away from work in 2005, for example. These disabling occupational injuries also resulted in an annual cost exceeding $11 billion — worker compensation claims cost roughly $19,000/per accident.

In an effort to reduce, and potentially eliminate, dangerous floor conditions within their facilities, cleaning managers are taking action. Turn to the floor care article for suggestions on how to combat slips, trips and falls within your facility, as well as strategies that can help prevent false claims.