Walking-working surface safety: Tips to prevent slips and falls

Safety in the workplace is non-negotiable. Walking-working surfaces such as floors, ladders, stairs, platforms, and scaffolds are part of nearly every work environment, but when not properly maintained, they can become hazardous. Preventing slips, trips, falls, and other accidents requires consistent effort, attention to detail, and adherence to safety guidelines. Below, we’ll explore actionable safety pointers to ensure walking-working surfaces remain safe for everyone.

Surface conditions: A foundation for safety

One of the primary safety concerns in any workplace is the condition of walking-working surfaces. Neglected floors, cluttered spaces, and unaddressed spills are accidents waiting to happen. Keeping these surfaces clean and hazard-free is critical for reducing the risk of injury.

Essential tips for maintaining safe surface conditions

• Keep passageways and workspaces clear: Ensure storerooms, service rooms, and other passageways are free of debris, tools, cords, and hoses. Clutter not only hinders efficiency but creates unnecessary tripping hazards.
• Clean up spills immediately: Wet or slippery surfaces are among the leading causes of workplace falls. Spilled liquids, oils, or other materials should be cleaned up right away to maintain a dry and safe floor.
• Cover holes and openings: Manholes, floor openings, or any holes should be covered or protected with guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall protection systems. Unprotected openings are a major fall hazard and should be addressed promptly.
• Know the load limits: Floors and other surfaces have load ratings that should never be exceeded. Overloading can result in structural damage and potential collapse, putting lives at risk.
• Correct hazards where possible: Address hazards on walking-working surfaces as soon as they are identified. Whether it’s a crack in the floor, uneven surfaces, or other risks, immediate action reduces the chance of accidents.
• Report and block hazards: If you come across a hazard you cannot correct yourself, report it immediately and block off the area to prevent others from falling or getting injured.

By prioritizing these surface conditions, workplaces can significantly minimize risks and create safer pathways for employees and visitors.

Stairs and ladders: Preventing falls step-by-step

Stairs and ladders are essential tools in many workplaces, but they can also pose serious safety risks if not used correctly. Improper use, damaged equipment, or poor lighting can lead to dangerous falls. Follow these guidelines to ensure your employees can safely navigate stairs and ladders, reducing the likelihood of falls and injuries.

Practical tips for maintaining stair and ladder safety

• Use railings: Always use handrails when going up or down stairs. Taking one step at a time and keeping a firm grip can prevent slips or missteps.
• Keep stairs clear: Never leave tools, materials, or any other objects on stairs. Cluttered stairs can cause someone to trip and fall.
• Maintain dry and well-lit stairs: Ensure stairs are dry to prevent slips and that proper lighting is in place to improve visibility, especially in low-light areas.
• Inspect ladders before use: A ladder should always be inspected for damage or defects before being used. Loose steps, broken rungs, or unstable frames can lead to serious accidents.
• Set up ladders properly: Ladders must be placed on stable, level surfaces. Avoid placing ladders on uneven or slippery ground, and ensure they are securely set up before climbing.
  • Bonus tip: NIOSH has a free ladder safety mobile app that delivers ladder safety tools, information, reference materials, and training resources to individual ladder users. Encourage employees to leverage the app’s angle measuring tool to ensure ladders are set up at the recommended 75.5-degree angle in real-time at job sites.
• Climb and work safely: Hold onto the ladder with both hands while climbing and use at least one hand to stabilize yourself while working. Overreaching or moving too quickly can lead to a fall.
• Remove defective ladders: If a ladder is found to be unsafe, remove it from service immediately and report the issue to prevent anyone else from using it.

Platforms, runways, and scaffolds: Elevated safety

Workplaces often require employees to work at elevated heights using platforms, scaffolds, or runways. These surfaces can be particularly hazardous if they are not properly maintained or protected. Preventing falls from elevated work areas requires diligence and proper safeguards.

Key safety measures for platforms, runways, and scaffolds

• Protect against fall hazards: Ensure unprotected sides, runways, hoist areas, dockboards, and other elevated surfaces are secured with guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall protection systems. These safeguards provide an essential barrier against falls.
• Regularly inspect scaffolds: Scaffolds should be inspected frequently to ensure they are in good condition and properly assembled. Look for loose planks, unstable supports, or any signs of wear and tear.
• Confirm load capacity: Scaffolds must be capable of supporting at least four times the maximum intended load. This includes the weight of personnel, tools, and materials being used.
  • Bonus tip: Clearly label the maximum load capacity on the scaffold in a visible location and ensure all workers are trained to calculate combined loads (personnel, tools, and materials). Regularly communicate this information during safety meetings and briefings to prevent overloading.
• Avoid altering scaffolds: Never move, adjust, or alter scaffolding while it is in use. Changes to the structure while someone is on it can lead to instability and potential collapse.
• Protect against overhead hazards: When working on scaffolds or platforms, it is essential to be mindful of overhead hazards such as falling debris. Using wire mesh between the toe board and guardrail can help protect those working or passing underneath.

By implementing these precautions, workplaces can ensure elevated work areas are safe and secure for all employees.

The importance of proactive safety

Safety on walking-working surfaces isn’t just about reacting to hazards; it’s about being proactive. Regular inspections, hazard reporting, and a commitment to safety culture are key to maintaining a secure work environment. Employees should be encouraged to:

• Be aware of their surroundings: Staying alert to potential hazards can help identify risks before they become accidents.
• Report unsafe conditions: If something seems unsafe, report it immediately to supervisors or safety teams.
• Follow safety protocols: Adhering to guidelines for walking surfaces, stairs, ladders, and scaffolds ensures everyone’s wellbeing.

Supervisors and management play a critical role in fostering a safety-first environment. Providing training, performing regular safety checks, and addressing hazards quickly demonstrates a commitment to employee health and safety.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility

Walking-working surfaces are an integral part of any workplace, and their safety cannot be overlooked. By maintaining clean and clear surfaces, following safety practices for stairs and ladders, and ensuring elevated platforms and scaffolds are properly protected, workplaces can drastically reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

Whether it’s cleaning up spills, inspecting ladders, or reporting hazards, every effort counts toward creating a safer work environment for all.