Workplace safety is important for employers and employees in India. Slips, trips and falls are some of the common accidents seen in offices, factories, shops and other workplaces. These may seem like trivial incidents, but they can cause serious injuries, lost working days, productivity drops and insurance claims.

Such incidents can also increase legal liability for employers and lead to higher premiums under Workmen compensation (WC) insurance, a statutory policy that provides financial coverage to employers for their legal obligation to compensate employees who suffer job-related injuries, illnesses or death.

What slips, trips and falls mean?

Before looking into prevention strategies, it’s important to understand the distinction between these three types of incidents:

• Slips occur due to insufficient friction between your footwear and the walking surface which causes you to lose balance.
• Trips occur when your foot or feet hit an object and your momentum continues forward, causing you to lose balance.
• Falls result from slips or trips or even from higher elevations like ladders, stairs or platforms. Fall, slip and trip incidents can range from minor bruises to severe injuries, depending on the circumstances.

The causes and preventing strategies for slip, trip and fall hazards are unique from each other so it is critical to understand the differences.

Common causes of slips

Slips and trips typically have specific causes that can be addressed through proper workplace management:

• Wet or oily surfaces, commonly found in kitchens, washrooms and entry areas during monsoons
• Occasional spills that haven’t been promptly cleaned
• Weather hazards like rain, sleet or snow tracked into building entrances
• Loose, unanchored rugs or mats
• Flooring that lacks proper slip resistance
• Transitioning from one surface to another (such as from carpet to tile)

These factors create significant slip and fall hazard situations that require immediate attention in any workplace setting.

Common causes of trips

Incidents involving tripping typically stem from:

• Obstructed views that prevent workers from seeing hazards
• Clutter in walkways and work areas
• Uncovered cables or wires across walkways
• Uneven walking surfaces and steps
• Wrinkled carpeting or uneven floor mats
• Missing or uneven floor tiles
• Poor lighting conditions that cause difficulty in seeing obstacles

The hazards of slips, trips and falls related to tripping are particularly common in busy offices and manufacturing facilities where cables, equipment and materials are prevalent.

Common causes of falls

Falls constitute the most serious category within slips trips and falls hazards in the workplace and usually result from:

• Unprotected edges of elevated platforms
• Improper ladder usage and placement
• Unguarded floor openings and holes
• Using chairs or tables in place of ladders
• Improper fall protection during roofing or construction
• Missing guardrails on stairs or elevated platforms

These scenarios present significant risks that can lead to severe injuries requiring WC insurance claims and extended recovery periods.

How to prevent slips, trips and falls?

Preventing slip-trip-fall hazard situations requires a multifaceted approach:

• Maintain good housekeeping practices and clean spills immediately
• Install anti-slip flooring in high-risk areas
• Use proper signage for wet floors or maintenance work
• Ensure optimal lighting across all work areas and walkways
• Keep walkways clear of obstacles and clutter
• Secure cables and wires away from walking paths
• Encourage employees to wear appropriate footwear
• Undertake periodic safety checks to determine potential hazards

These preventive measures can significantly reduce slips and trips hazards in your workplace and help maintain a safe environment for all employees.

Workplace safety regulations

In India, workplace safety is governed by several regulations, including:

• The Factories Act, 1948, which mandates safe working conditions
• Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996
• State-specific workplace safety regulations

If you do not comply with the specified rules and regulations, it can lead to penalties and increased WCI premiums for your business. Additionally, you are required by law to provide a safe working place for all employees, which includes taking all steps possible to prevent incidents related to slips, trips and falls.

Safety tips and best practices to avoid slips, trips and falls

Here are some practical safety tips for both employers and employees:

For employers:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive safety program
• Conduct regular safety training sessions
• Encourage reporting of potential hazards
• Maintain proper documentation of all safety measures
• Ensure proper insurance coverage including workmen compensation insurance

For employees:

• Stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings
• Report hazards immediately to supervisors
• Use handrails when using stairs
• Take your time and avoid rushing, especially in high-risk areas
• Keep work areas clean and free of clutter
• Wear appropriate footwear for your working conditions

Following these practices will help create a culture of safety awareness that proactively addresses slips and trips risks.

Conclusion

You must follow all the rules and take proactive measures in order to prevent slips trips and falls hazards in the workplace. Knowing about the causes of these hazards and taking preventive measures can minimise the chances of these common workplace events. By following these precautionary measures to mitigate potential risks, you can help avoid the losses caused by such unwanted accidents.

FAQs

What should I do if I witness a slip, trip or fall at my workplace?

Report it immediately to your supervisor and help the person if it’s safe to do so. Document the incident for future prevention efforts.

Are employers legally required to prevent slip and fall accidents?

Yes, under Indian labour laws, employers must offer a safe working space for all employees. They should also take adequate steps to prevent workplace accidents including slips trips and falls.

What type of footwear is recommended to prevent slips and falls?

Footwear with proper traction, support and closed toes is generally recommended. Particular requirements can change depending on the working conditions.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.