Studies have also been conducted to see who is most impacted by same level slips, trips, and falls in the workplace (STFL). For instance, are older workers more likely to experience an STFL than younger workers? How about workers in an office area compared to those who work in the warehouse section of a company.

While the results of these studies are not always conclusive, many of these studies have come to the following conclusions:

Age. Some studies have pointed out that older workers have more STFLs than younger workers. However, other studies have found just the opposite. While it is true that older workers may not have the fitness, strength, and balance of younger workers, in many cases, they are more careful where and how they walk, taking extra care not to experience an STFL.

Work location. As would be expected, those that work in the office areas of an organization tend to have fewer STFLs than those working in the more industrial work areas of the facility.

Pace. A faster pace or walking speed at work tends to result in more STFLs. Further, the number of STFLs goes up when workers report they felt rushed to complete a task.

Load carrying. STFLs increase when workers are carrying items in their hands, notably heavier items. We have more control over our posture, our arm swing, and our gait when our arms are free.

STFL Prevention Strategies

Now that we have a more complete understanding of all the dynamics of STFLs, our concern now is how to prevent them in the workplace. Our goal here is to provide new insights and uncover new preventive strategies that may help administrators better ensure the safety of their workforce and reduce STFLs. For instance

Floor shine. What we see happening in many industrial locations is that administrators are no longer applying any type of finish to their floors. This may be a mistake when it comes to floor safety. Studies indicate that workers rely on the shine of a floor to form judgments as to its slipperiness. They think a slip is more likely on a shiner floor. Ironically, in most cases, it’s just the opposite. The finish that produces a high-gloss shine also has slip resistant qualities. In other words, the more shine, the safer the floor may actually be.

Risk elimination. OSHA requires that “only qualified persons be permitted to inspect, maintain or repair walking and working surfaces. These persons are “capable of identifying existing or potential hazards in specific surroundings or working conditions which may be hazardous or dangerous to employees.” This is imperative.

Unusual safety signage. Administrators should note that selecting a more unusual type of floor safety cone may prove to be more effective in reducing STFLs than using more traditional cones. Most wet floor safety cones are two- or three-sided. They have been used for years and because of that, their impact when it comes to safety appears to be diminishing. Alternatives have been developed that are still OSHA-compliant. Some even look like bananas, of all things, but they work. Why, because they stand out, they catch walkers’ attention, and they make people think safety.

For more information on floor safety or any other products that promote worker safety, contact an Impact Products specialist.