Photo: Fertnig / E+ via Getty Images.

Seemingly innocent hazards can cause serious injuries     

By Dr. Kevan Orvitz

Slips, trips and falls
    According to the National Safety Council Chartbook, titled, Injury Facts, 880 workers died from falling, while 244,000 were forced to take time off work from falls, in 2019. Falls are completely preventable and every employer owes their employees the opportunity to work safely with fall protection.
    Slips are typically caused by a loss of balance or insufficient friction between footwear and the ground surface. Different types of ground surfaces can create hazards for slips, trips and falls. Wet flooring caused by spills or weather, combined with poor balance can lead to great injuries.
    Slips, trips, and falls are safety hazards are 100% avoidable and employers need to be committed to reducing the safety risks and hazards throughout the workplace.

Communication is key
    The first step to solving any health and safety challenge, begins with communication. Employers and manager who want to mitigate damage, injury and loss, need to feel comfortable talking to their team about slips, trips and falls, including all of the hazards that cause them. Engaging in meaningful discussions, allows your workforce to be included in their own health and safety. Not only will it help management discover red flags in the workplace, but it will enhance the safety culture and build a proactive community within the workplace.
    Creating an open line of communication not only allows management to be a part of a deeper discussion, but it alleviates employee frustration and confusion. A workforce that is engaged in their own health and safety helps in creating a stress-free, environment.

Efficient and effective PPE
    Each and every step taken throughout the workplace can bring employees closer to safety or hazards. The difference in direction stems from the opportunities they’re given. Companies and businesses should look to prevent injury through solutions that save time and energy, while improving workplace safety and employee satisfaction.

     Personal anti-fatigue insoles, comprised of 100% dual layer memory foam, ensure every individual employee has constant foot support, comfort and shock absorption with every step they take. Not only do dual layer memory foam, anti-fatigue insoles reduce fatigue but they increase employee satisfaction and engagement. Providing employees with their own pair of insoles, communicates that employers support their physical wellbeing and personal comfort.
     Not only does providing workers with their own anti-fatigue insoles demonstrate appreciation, but it also eliminates dangerous tripping hazards, such as floor matting. Anti-fatigue matting is installed with great intentions. However, over time, matting can be neglected, leading to excess debris, and peeling, turning good intentions into dangerous disasters.
     On the other hand, personal anti-fatigue insoles cover employees on any surface with each and every step, ensuring 360 degree comfort and support.

Don’t trip up on PPE
    Slips, trips and falls can be the result of faulty footwear. Employers are morally obligated to ensure that workers are wearing the right shoes for their workplace and environment. Along with anti-fatigue insoles, managers should make sure that employees pair the right footwear for the task at hand. Countless work boots and footwear offer slip-resistance and provide workers with adequate traction to prevent slips. In addition to ensuring footwear is adequate, it’s important to be aware of any holes or damage, which can become a tripping hazard.
    Providing efficient and effecting PPE to employees, is a company’s moral obligation. Beyond that, it’s an opportunity to create a workplace centered on compassion, health and safety. Ensuring safety from the ground up will reduce slips, trips and falls while improving employee engagement and satisfaction.