As we celebrate our 100th year in business in 2015, we embark on another century of commitment to our policyholders. Our mission is to protect the livelihoods of our policyholders, and, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In keeping with that theme, we’ll celebrate our 100th year in business with 100 important tips to help identify, evaluate and prevent dangers that could result in financial loss or injury in a year-long “Safe with Society” blog series.
Employees who work in slippery conditions, such as kitchens or grocery food prep areas are often subject to slips and falls due to floor conditions. Cooking with oil and working with water, ice, or other food materials can cause a very hazardous surface, especially when combined with staff hurrying due to their workload. This may result in frequent slips and falls.
Remember these tips to reduce slip and fall risks in wet or oily working environments:
- Mop the floor regularly with a commercial grade cleaning agent designed to work on the type of surface and with the spill material you have. Mop on a regular schedule, regardless of when spills occur.
- Whenever a spill is discovered, no matter by whom, it becomes that person’s responsibility to clean it up or make certain it is adequately marked until it can be cleaned up. Best practice would be to call for assistance and stand by the wet area until someone comes to clean it up.
- Prior to and while the cleanup is occurring, place a “Wet Floor” sign or other type of barricade in the area to bring attention to the hazard. Notify staff working in the area of the hazard.
- Remind employees to always be aware of the floor possibly being slippery, and to adjust their speed to the hazard.
- Promote the use of non-skid footwear. Whether the employer assists in the purchase of this equipment or just requires it to be worn, any employee who regularly comes into the slippery area should use non-skid footwear.
Click here for a helpful handout on working in slippery environments to share with your employees.
Our risk control team is available to help facilitate your safety and health efforts. Learn more about this collaborative and consultative partnership, as well as the exclusive safety resources developed to keep your workplace safe and profitable.
