One of the most important elements of being in charge of an office is mitigating and managing risk to staff and visitors. When someone suffers a slip or trip in the office, it’s important to keep a record and to know who is responsible in that situation.
Why Is Work Safety Important? The Statistics of Slips and Trips In UK Offices
One of the most common causes of injuries and downtime in offices across the UK, slips, trips, and falls made up 37% of all injuries reported in the workplace and were the cause of 28% of all fatalities in the workplace.
Slip, trip, and fall injuries cost the UK working industries almost £1 billion every year. After downtime, liability claims, and compensation, this can be a big drain on offices big and small.
Who Is Responsible For Safety At Work?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of employed workers on their premises and in the office. Employers are also required to balance risk against the work needed.
This is called a duty of care that all employers have for employees. However, employees also have a duty to manage their own health and safety by acting in accordance with regulations provided by the employer.
How To Manage The Risk: Practical
Ensure that wires in the office are always kept safely under wire mats which are checked regularly. For non-carpeted offices, consider fitting mats around entryways to reduce tracking in wet or slippery leaves.
You should also provide handrails around staircases and platforms alongside yellow paint and appropriate signage marking out trip hazards.
How To Manage The Risk: Educational
Safety Aide provides a course for both employers and employees to help people to protect both themselves and the people around them while in the office. It will assist employees in learning the company’s health and safety regulations and help the employer learn more about health and safety law.
It takes just 12 minutes, is split into two manageable sections, and is available within our free trial promotion of the Safety Aide training portal.
For more information or advice on how to start a safety program at work, get in touch with us today. Our dedicated customer service team is happy to help. To read more about our training courses in slips, trips, and falls, visit our page here.
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