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Preventing Slip & Fall Injuries this Winter
Another major winter storm with heavy snow and freezing rain has hit Connecticut, increasing the possibility of slips and fall on icy sidewalks, roadways, and parking lots. Indoors, wet boots and coats can shed water onto floors, creating slip and fall hazards that endanger employees, students, and other users of public buildings.
Slip and fall injuries are often severe: they are the number-one cause of large-loss Workers' Compensation claims by CIRMA members. Overall, they are the second leading cause of on-the-job injuries to member employees, with losses totaling a staggering $120 million since 2004-05.
In public schools last year, over half of Workers' Compensation losses--54%--were caused by slip and fall injuries, with the frequency of injuries spiking during the winter months.
Most slip and fall injuries are preventable.
CIRMA urges its members and their employees to use extra caution indoors and out to help prevent these painful injuries and to avoid liability.
6 Ways To Reduce the Risk of Slips, Trips, and Falls
Step 1. Wear sensible shoes that increase the friction between the sole of the shoe and the floor. Encourage your employees to wear sensible shoes.
Step 2. Remove slip, trip, and fall hazards such as boxes, cords, loose rugs. Prevent water from accumulating on floors, and clean up spills immediately. Clear exterior walkways of snow and ice as soon as possible.
Step 3. Inspect walkways; place signage and report and repair hazardous conditions.
Step 4: Install and use assistive devices such as handrails, mats at entrances, ramps.
Step 5. Light up your space by providing adequate lighting for best visibility, inside and out.
Step 6: Keep moving! If you aren't already getting regular physical exercise, consider starting a general exercise program.
Resources:
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