Preventing slip-and-fall accidents: Focus on footwear
One of the most common accidents people suffer on the job is a slip-and-fall accident. These incidents can happen to just about anyone and in virtually any environment, and they often result in painful injuries that can prevent a person from working at full capacity.
Fortunately, preventing these accidents can be as simple as making sure workers have appropriate footwear.
What to look for in work shoes
If you work in jobs like food service, manufacturing or construction, having the proper footwear can keep you safe from slipping, tripping and falling on slick or unsafe surfaces. Thus, workers would be wise to have shoes that:
- Do not have high heels
- Are not completely flat
- Do not slip off your heels
- Fit well
- Have proper support
- Lace-up
- Have rubber soles
- Are closed at the toe
Shoes that fit these criteria can help a person stay safe on the job by keeping them on their feet.
An easy test to measure wear
One thing to keep in mind is that shoes can become worn out quickly when you wear them every day. When this happens, replacing or repairing them can be crucial.
For instance, tread thresholds can show just how much protection a shoe has in terms of slipping. If your shoes or boots have tread marks, which they should, you can test whether they are too worn to be effective.
As this article notes, one easy way to test is to use a AA battery on the worn patches of your shoe. If the patch is wider than the base of the battery, the shoe will not provide as much traction and protection. Thus, replacing them can keep wearers safe.
Having the right footwear can prevent serious slipping and tripping accidents on the job. Not only does this help reduce the cost of workplace accidents, which soared over $170 billion in 2018, but it also keeps workers safer on the job.
