Preventing Falls in the Workplace: Essential Safety Measures

Understanding Falls

The Oxford Dictionary defines a fall as “to fall from a higher to a lower level or suddenly stop standing”. Falls can happen in many ways in the workplace. However, falls tend to have a higher fatality rate than slips or trips, with 25% of all work-related deaths being fall-related.

Preventing Falls

Falls can usually be prevented by taking the following steps:

Reduce Slips and Trips

Slips and trips can result in falls occurring, meaning if you reduce the risk of slips and trips, you can indirectly reduce the risk of falls.

Install Banisters and Railings

Installing banisters in high-risk places for falls, such as by stairs or where the level changes, can help people to steady themselves. Railings can prevent people from falling from higher places to lower places. When railings and banisters are installed, they should be at the correct height to avoid posing more of a risk to health and safety.

An example could be having a railing which is not quite tall enough, and someone leans on it and inadvertently goes over the top of it anyway.

Ensure Proper Lighting

Proper lighting will aid in preventing slips, trips, and falls, as people will be able to better see where they are going, see any obstructions, and therefore be able to avoid them.

Conclusion

By reducing slips and trips, installing appropriate banisters and railings, and ensuring proper lighting, the risk of falls in the workplace can be significantly minimised.