As we launch the second week of National Safety Month, we’re focused on the prevention of slips, trips and falls in our greater effort to make Wisconsin the safest place to live, work and play.

Slips, trips and falls can occur in any setting, whether it’s a manufacturing facility, office, farm, home or a public space. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, including fractures, sprains, head trauma and even long-term disabilities. Taking proactive measures to prevent slips, trips and falls is essential for maintaining a safe environment and protecting ourselves and those around us.

Key Strategies for Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls:

• Maintain Clean and Dry Surfaces: Slippery or wet surfaces significantly increase the risk of accidents. Regularly clean up spills promptly, mark wet areas with appropriate signage and use absorbent materials like mats or rugs to enhance traction. In Wisconsin, this can be especially important in the wintertime. Be sure to salt any ice outside, use mats and be aware of indoor areas that may get wet with foot traffic. Promptly repair any damaged or uneven flooring to prevent tripping hazards.
• Keep Walkways Clear: Keep your working and living spaces clutter-free. Avoid leaving objects, cables or cords on walkways or stairs. Ensure that all areas are well-lit to help identify potential hazards. Be aware of potential hazards such as uneven surfaces or dimly-lit areas. Adjust your walking speed accordingly and take extra caution when traversing potentially dangerous areas.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose footwear that provides sufficient support, comfort and slip-resistant soles.
• Use Handrails and Grab Bars: When available, utilize handrails and grab bars in stairwells, corridors, and bathrooms. These assistive devices offer stability and support, reducing the likelihood of falls.
• Practice Safe Walking Techniques: Be mindful of your walking technique, especially in areas prone to slips and trips. Take smaller steps, maintain a balanced and upright posture and keep your hands free for better balance and reaction time.
• Educate and Train: Promote a culture of safety by providing training and education on slip, trip and fall prevention. Teach employees, family members and community members about the risks and strategies to mitigate them effectively.
• Report and Address Hazards: Encourage prompt reporting of any potential hazards or near-miss incidents. Establish a system that allows individuals to communicate concerns, and ensure that identified hazards are promptly addressed and resolved.

Although slips, trips and falls are some of the most common causes of injuries in a workplace, they’re oftentimes preventable. By being observant and preemptive, we can help keep employees, family members and others safe.

Wisconsin Safety Council is offering a Safety Training Methods Course June 26-29. Gain a solid understanding of needs analysis, performance objectives, instructional strategy and methods, content, delivery evaluation and costs, so you can make educated decisions about the safety training needs for your workforce. Click here to learn more.