Isn’t preventing trip injuries really just a question of good housekeeping?
‘Yes’ is the short answer to this question. Keeping areas where people walk free from obstructions, debris and misplaced items and making sure that they are kept in good condition with no holes or unevenness undoubtedly reduces trip injuries. This does mean getting the cooperation of the workforce, staff need to be involved in setting good housekeeping standards for their working environment, it is difficult to achieve good housekeeping without workforce cooperation. Be sure that it is actually possible for staff to work to good housekeeping standards. Have enough space for items to be properly stored rather than placed on the floor, have walkways and thoroughfares clearly identified, have a system for damage reporting and repair and challenge bad housekeeping practice when it occurs. Making sure that any slopes or changes in level are clearly visible are also straightforward and sensible measures.
‘Yes’ is the short answer to this question. Keeping areas where people walk free from obstructions, debris and misplaced items and making sure that they are kept in good condition with no holes or unevenness undoubtedly reduces trip injuries. This does mean getting the co-operation of the workforce, staff need to be involved in setting good housekeeping standards for their working environment, it is difficult to achieve good housekeeping without workforce co-operation. Be sure that it is actually possible for staff to work to good housekeeping standards. Have enough space for items to be properly stored rather than placed on the floor, have walkways and thoroughfares clearly identified, have a system for damage reporting and repair and challenge bad housekeeping practice when it occurs. Making sure that any slopes or changes in level are clearly visible are also straightforward and sensible measures.
