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14/04/11 HSE Risk Assessment: Minimise The Risk Of Slip-And-Fall Accidents Slips and trips account for more than a third of all reported major injuries and 95 per cent of major slips result in broken bones. Slippery floors can present a serious health hazard to staff and visitors yet regular control and HSE risk assessment can significantly reduce the number of slip-and-fall accidents in the workplace. Below are a few useful pointers for decreasing the incidence of slip-related injuries. Map high-risk slip zones Start with identifying areas which pose a major risk. Looking through the recordings of slip-and-fall accidents happened last year will help sketch a map of the most dangerous areas. It’s worth talking to people who walk around regularly and ask them if the floor feels slippery in certain circumstances. Mapping them helps highlight any areas demanding special attention. Prevent the surface from contamination A clean dry floor doesn’t usually pose a slip hazard. According to the findings of HSE risk assessment research, most accidents occur on contaminated surfaces because of reduced friction. Contamination is anything that makes the floor wet, dirty or greasy and can be a by-product of the working process or a result of adverse weather conditions. However, it isn't always possible to prevent the contamination of the floor. If it’s inevitable, then preventative steps need to be taken to minimise its impact. Making changes in the working process can be a way of reducing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Clean the surface to reduce the incidence As HSE risk assessment experts have put it, cleaning plays a crucial role in managing the most hazardous zones. Any dirt should be removed off the surface in a timely fashion leaving the floor completely clean and dry. Since chemicals are known to leave a residue on the surface which increases the risk of slipping and falling, only the recommended amount should be used when cleaning the floors. In most cases slip resistance can be greatly improved with a thorough deep clean, as it will remove the dirt clogging the surface and enhance its roughness. Test the surface If the floor gets dirty, wet or greasy regularly, then the surface should have a safe level of grip. It’s crucial to have the surface tested and certified by HSE risk assessment specialists. Ideally, it should be within 36 and above on a specially designed scale to be classified as a safe surface. In some cases the only way to reduce slip risk to safe levels is to replace the floor surface. When buying a replacement surface, ensure it meets the frictional requirements by checking slip resistance results provided by independent risk assessment agencies. Thousands of people slip or trip and fall each year, with some of them getting seriously injured. Slip-and-fall accidents occur everywhere indoors and outdoors yet their incidence can be reduced if preventative measures are taken. Cleaning contaminated surfaces on a regular basis, warning people about potential slip hazards and replacing unsafe surfaces with tested certified ones could be the first step towards a safer workplace. HSE risk assessment should become an essential part of the ‘No slips’ campaign.
Further information Pendulum testing - Surface roughness - Slips Potential Model - Slip testing methods - HSE slips site - Grip Potential Ltd |
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