How to avoid trips and falls at work

In order to maintain your balance, your body goes through a complex combination of muscle strength, visual inputs, inner ear receptors that in turn send signals to your nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments to orient you in relation to other objects. The brain takes in all that information and allows you to respond to the environment you are in.

As we age, or if impaired, our receptors can become dull and slow the information ‘highways’ in our body, which can diminish our sense of balance and lead to falls. So, make it easier to notice those physical changes in your store in these ways:

• Stair edges should be colored in yellow or white so that they are more easily visible.
• Ladders should have some sort of a handrail to allow better control.
• Keep those floors clear and safe for your customers as well.
• Clearly define any changes in floor elevation by marking them in a brighter color. Handrails in those areas are also a big help.

Slips and trips can lead to falls no matter what age. RS SafetyTV has some good videos for your safety meeting.

Additional information on the nuances of the aging workforce can be found on the RS website. These tips will benefit your entire workforce, helping to reduce injuries to them as well as potential injuries to your customers.

WR employs Rick Means as a Safety Specialist who is available to members to help draw up safety plans and suggest topics for safety meetings. Contact him at 360-943-9198 x118 or [email protected].