Tripping accidents tend to be pretty common in many workplaces. However, they also tend to be pretty avoidable. Knowing the main reasons behind why people trip and get hurt can help you avoid them yourself…
Tripping Accidents: Common Causes
Clutter
One common reason behind tripping accidents is clutter in walkways. Leaving things in the way of where people walk makes it very easy for them to trip. For example, leaving tools or other equipment out increases the chances of someone tripping. So does having a lot of loose cables running across the floor.
Just doing some simple cleaning can reduce the chances of someone tripping and getting hurt. When you finish using tools, be sure to put them back where they belong. You’ll also want to make sure you keep common walkways free of anything which could trip people up.
Uneven surfaces
Another reason behind tripping accidents are uneven surfaces. If a surface isn’t level, it’s very easy for a person to catch their foot on it. This can cause them to lose their balance and fall over. Therefore, you want to make sure the floors are as level as they can be.
Carpets, for instance, can bunch up over time, and may require you to flatten them back out again. On the other hand, concrete slabs or curbs can be harder to get level. In these situations, it helps to have something like a ramp which gives people a nice flat, level surface to walk over.
Poor lighting
Lighting does play a role in tripping accidents as well. If you can’t see where you’re walking, then it becomes very easy for you to trip over something. Poor lighting could cause you to walk off the normal walkway and into an unsafe area. That’s why it’s important to have plenty of light when you need it.
Ideally, you should have good overhead lighting on at all times. If you need extra lighting, portable lamps or lights are handy. Also, if you notice a light flickering, don’t wait until it goes out. It’s better to be proactive and have it changed now rather than later.