Did you know, slips and trips account for over a third of all major injuries?
As the nights are drawing in earlier (it feels like this starts at 11am at the moment), surfaces can become perilous, which means slip and trip accidents are more likely to occur, with more frequency.
Poor light; whether natural or artificial, along with excess water from wet weather and even decaying and leaves can cause an increase in slip and trip incidents. This can also lead to other types of accidents, such as falls from height, falls into machinery, or falls onto hazardous materials.
Take a look at the HSE’s guidance on preventing slips and trips in winter weather for ways to help keep employees safe during the winter period.
You might also find the HSE’s general guidance on slips and trips interesting, which offers ample information and advice, as well as guidance on how you can help prevent accidents.
Remember:
- Conduct risk assessments as and when required (prior to undertaking activities).
- Provide training regarding the risks involved and risk management.
- Supervise continual risk management, as necessary, until competence is demonstrated.
- Conduct formal review of procedures regularly.
- Update training provided (toolbox talks, in-house or external formal training).
- Keep / update records of the above processes.
Top tip:
Why not upload your completed documents to your portal, to keep them in one safe place so you know where they are for next year.
If you need to discuss any Health & Safety related issue, do not hesitate to contact us for advice / assistance with:
- Your legal requirements with regards to safety and health.
- The management of health and safety (in general and specific to the business activity).
- The risk assessment process and how to conduct and record risk assessments
- Required conduct – as per legal requirements to be met when managing an activity.
- Required health surveillance – as per the activity.
- How to evidence due diligence conducted.
- Training needs and how they can be met (provided and recorded).