Slips and falls are the most common cause of major injuries in the workplace. According to the Health and Safety Executive, educational employers and students are faced with hazards on a daily basis around building entrances/exits, sports halls, dining areas, changing rooms/swimming pools, playgrounds and many other sites. Education premises are often complex, which is why different measures must be taken. Employers must identify the following:
- Look for slip and trip hazards around the site
- Decide who is at risk and how
- Decide if precautions have already been made or if more needs to be done
- Record your findings
- Review the assessment and revise if necessary
According to a university refectory, the replacement of a flooring surface with an improved slip resistant surface reduced the number of slip and falls. A prime example of where slip resistant flooring should be installed is in the food-serving areas due to the food, debris and liquids which are often spilled. If the flooring is not cleaned properly, it may cause extremely slick or worn surfaces.
Slip and fall incidents can be controlled if the proper attention is applied. Most measures are simple changes, but will reduce the cost and amount of suffering. To learn more about anti-slip flooring you may consider contacting SLIPNOT Metal Safety Flooring at 313-923-0400 in regards to their durable, long lasting metal products.
Health and Safety Executive. Preventing slip and trip incidents in the education sector. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/edis2.pdf
