Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls with Good Workplace Housekeeping

Introduction: This podcast is brought to you by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

CCOHS is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Elaine: Hello and welcome to Health and Safety to Go, broadcasting from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Today we’re discussing a subject that should probably be one of the very first topics covered in any workplace health and safety training.

Ashley: The hierarchy of controls?

Elaine: No, but that’s part of it.

Ashley: The locations of fire extinguishers and emergency exits?

Elaine: No, but that’s also very important.

Ashley: What type of personal protective equipment to wear?

Elaine: I love your enthusiasm for health and safety! But today, what we’re going to talk about is preventing slips, trips and falls with effective workplace housekeeping.

Ashley: Housekeeping! Really!

Elaine: That’s right. Your reaction isn’t an uncommon one, especially in industrial settings where people might have a perception that housekeeping is domestic work. But in the workplace, it has the power to eliminate the hazards that result in a huge number of injuries every year.

Ashley: And elimination is at the top of the hierarchy of controls! That actually makes a lot of sense. According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards in Canada, falls on the same level, also referred to as slips, trips and falls, accounted for more than 35,000 lost-time injuries in Canada in 2022.

Elaine: Exactly. Slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of workplace injuries. They happen when there is some unexpected change in the contact between feet and the floor.

Ashley: There are four factors that are crucial to preventing fall incidents. First and foremost, good housekeeping. Then, quality walking surfaces, selecting proper footwear, and keeping an appropriate walking pace.  

Elaine: Let’s start with good housekeeping. Mop or sweep any debris from floors and be sure to clean spills immediately, marking off any wet areas. Remove obstacles from walkways and keep them free of clutter.

Ashley: Be sure to secure mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat with tape or tacks, and cover cables that cross walkways. Keep working areas and walkways well lit, replacing any burned out light bulbs and faulty switches. And be sure to always close file cabinets and storage drawers.

Elaine: It’s also important to mention that a systematic housekeeping program can help address these dangers and create a safer working environment.

Ashley: That’s right. Set yours up for success by involving employees and health and safety committee members in the planning. Workers have valuable insights into how the workplace operates and where improvements can be made.

Elaine: In terms of quality walking surfaces, employers may need to recoat or replace floors and install mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating.

Ashley: Metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce the risk of falling but remember that high-tech flooring will still require maintenance and good housekeeping. Also, resilient, non-slippery flooring helps to prevent or reduce foot fatigue and can help prevent slips.

Elaine: Selecting proper footwear is essential to preventing fall incidents, especially in workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend a lot of time outdoors. No anti-slip footwear is ideal for every condition, so consult with manufacturers for the available options best suited for your needs. Wearing footwear that fits properly increases comfort and prevents fatigue…

Ashley: Which in turn, improves your safety. 

Elaine: Exactly.

Ashley: Let’s talk about how workers can reduce their risk of slips. First, take your time and pay attention to where you are going. Walk at a pace that is suitable for the walking surface and the tasks you are doing. Walking with your feet pointed slightly outward will give you more control, as will making wide turns at corners.

Elaine: Don't forget to keep walking areas clear of clutter and obstructions. Make sure there’s enough light for your tasks and use a flashlight if you enter a dark room. And be sure anything you are carrying or pushing does not prevent you from seeing obstructions, spills or other hazards.

Ashley: For more tips on preventing slips, trips and falls, visit our website, ccohs.ca.

Elaine: Thanks for listening!