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Avoiding Falls in the Work Place

 

Tips to Avoid Falls in the Work Place

 

Slips occur when your foot loses traction with the ground surface due to inappropriate footwear or walking on slippery floor surfaces that are highly polished, wet or greasy.

Trips occur when you catch your foot on an object or surface. In most cases, people trip on low obstacles that are hard to spot such as uneven edges in flooring, loose mats, open drawers, untidy tools or electrical cables.

Falls can result from a slip or trip but many occur during falls from low heights such as steps, stairs and curbs, falling into a hole or a ditch or into water.

Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s important to plan ahead, assess the risk and use the right equipment. First, determine if working from a height is absolutely necessary or if there is another way to do the task safely.

Danger at Home –

Are you a weekend builder? If you take on home improvement or other weekend projects, it’s important to prepare yourself for physical exertion.

Risky projects, like installing siding, gutters or roofs, are best left to professionals. Saving money isn’t worth risking a debilitating or fatal fall.

At home or at work, many of the same rules apply. When taking on a project:

High ladder safety tips mentioned above; find more ladder safety information here
Keep the work area clear of hazards and immediately clean up spills
Read all instructions and safety precautions on your equipment
Large clothing that can get caught in equipment
Wet products and spills on smooth walking surfaces (water, grease, oil, blood, and other liquids)
Spills that make walking surfaces slippery (including dusts, powers, granules, and waste materials)
Freshly-waxed surfaces and highly-polished floors
One flooring surface to another
Steep walking surfaces
Loose and irregular surfaces (such as gravel)
Loose and unsecured rugs and mats
Loose floorboards and shifting tiles
Ramps and gang plans without anti-skid protection or slip-resistant surfaces
Hoses, cables, wires and extension cords laid across walkways
Clutter and other obstacles in walkways and work areas
Open file cabinet and desk drawers
Changes in elevation of walking surfaces
Missing or uneven floor tiles or bricks
Damaged, non-uniform, and irregular steps
Inadequate or missing signage
Poor lighting, bad weather, and other visual impairments

Find Medical Treatment. Your health—or the health of a loved one—should be your number-one priority following a slip, trip, and fall accident. If you’ve been hurt, it’s important to see a doctor so that your injuries can be properly documented. Those medical records will be important pieces of evidence should you decide to seek compensation for your injuries.

Report the Incident. No matter where the slip, trip, and fall accident happens—in a store, on a sidewalk, or at a friend’s house—make sure you report it to a manager, owner or landlord. Remember to get the details of the incident in writing—ask the manager, owner or landlord to make a written report, and request a copy before you leave.

Record All Things. It’s important to collect the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for all potential witnesses. Their statements could help prove your claim if you decide to pursue a legal claim. Also, remember to take pictures of the Exact location where you fell and make sure to photograph any stairs, icy patches, or other conditions that contributed to your accident.

Write down what you were doing right before the accident, the way you fell, and any other details, including the exact time and date. Also: Place the shoes and clothing you were wearing during the accident in a safe storage place. They may be relevant pieces of evidence later.

Give no Statements. Remain calm and limit your communication with the property owner or manager. Do not post any details related to your accident on social media. Decline to give a statement to an insurance company until you’ve spoken to an attorney. Do not place blame—and don’t take any.

Call a Lawyer. When considering legal action, the best person on your side is an experienced attorney. Since many slip, trip, and fall cases are complex and difficult to prove, you are best served by the resources of a successful law firm. We have the experience, knowledge, and track record of success to recover the money you deserve.

Roofing Restoration Services.

Join the discussion 2 Comments

  • Sue Mack says:

    Hello John,

    Thanks for the quality roof restoration service you provided.

    We are grateful.

    Regards,

    Sue Mack.

    • roofing-admin says:

      G’day Sue,

      Thanks again for the roof restoration service. We are pleased you are happy with the job.

      Best Regards,

      John.
      Gold Coast Roof Restorations