INDG380 TREAD SAFELY - HSE

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Section 24 Slips and trips Slips, trips and falls on the same level are the most common cause of major injuries at work. Many employers still fail to give slips and trips the priority they deserve. Some employers even treat the issue as being outside their control, inevitable or the employee’s fault. This is wrong. Employers are under a legal duty to ensure that the risk of slips and trips are properly controlled. Table 7 Slip and trip hazards Hazard Safeguard Tread safely other risks What can I do to reduce the risks? Identify the slip and trip hazards, decide who may be harmed and how, consider the risks of slips and trips in your premises and put in place the necessary risk control measures. Some examples are in Table 7. Contamination of the floor (eg from Prevent contamination in the first place (eg maintain machines spillages, oil, water, grease, mud, properly so they do not leak oil or water and maintain LEV rubber crumb and dust) equipment so that it controls rubber crumb effectively). Prevent contamination from reaching floor surfaces. Limit the effects of contamination by treating spillages as soon as they occur. Use safe cleaning methods. Minimise the wetting of floors and contain/limit the spread of contamination across the floor. Trailing cables, hoses and Position equipment to avoid cables crossing pedestrian routes. compressed air lines Route cables out of the way and use cable covers to securely fix cables to surfaces. Poor housekeeping Improve housekeeping. Work in progress, tools and Provide shelves, cupboards and storage racks for tools and equipment left on the floor equipment and make sure they are used. Litter, rubbish, plastic bags, Keep work areas clean. packaging, process waste Provide suitable bins and make sure they are used. Clear up and remove rubbish frequently. Mats Ensure mats are securely fixed and do not have curling edges. Slippery surfaces Assess the cause and treat accordingly. Uneven surfaces including gullies Eliminate holes, slopes and uneven surfaces. and holes Change from dry to wet surface, Provide suitable footwear and provide warning signs and cones. eg when floors are being cleaned Inadequate lighting Provide adequate levels of lighting and place light fittings to ensure even lighting of floor areas. Changes of level Improve lighting and fit visible tread nosings on steps and stairs. Ensure steps and stairs are properly constructed and fitted with handrails. Slopes Improve visibility, use floor markings and provide handrails where required. continued… other risks 43
other risks 44 Tread safely other risks Table 7 (continued) Hazard Safeguard Awkward tasks. Does the task involve Assess the tasks to ensure they do not compromise the ability carrying loads, lifting or lowering, to walk safely. pushing or pulling? Does it involve Check to ensure obstructions are eliminated or minimised. turning or moving quickly or taking long strides? Does it involve having no hands free to hold onto supports or break a fall? Are there distractions? Does the task itself cause obstructions? Shoes offer insufficient slip resistance, Select footwear suitable for the individual, the floor conditions and eg the wrong type of shoe, the wrong the environment. sole material, the wrong sole pattern, Make arrangements for cleaning and maintaining footwear and worn soles, poor fit, contaminated replacing it when worn out. shoes, shoes not maintained/renewed Remember: ✔ You must minimise the risk of slips and trips in the workplace. ✔ Use the checklist to identify areas and activities that can cause slips and trips. ✔ Put in place suitable precautions. Figure 17 Good housekeeping
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INDG380 TREAD SAFELY - HSE

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