CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE WORKPLACE INJURIES FROM SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS

A safety campaign aimed at reducing injuries from slips, trips and falls in Queensland workplaces is underway.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspectors will visit more than 1,700 workplaces during the campaign which runs until the end of the year.

“The extent of the problem should not be underestimated and it should not be assumed that such incidents in workplaces are only minor,” Mr Mickel said.

“Workers’ compensation claims for injuries caused by slips, trips and falls on the same level during the 2004-05 financial year accounted for 15 percent of all serious injury claims.

“That amounts to total direct costs of approximately $46 million, with an average cost to businesses per claim of approximately $11,100.

“This is a major cost to business, not just in monetary terms, but in lost productivity, retraining, rehabilitation and downtime and for an injured worker a period off work and restrictions on their usual home and leisure activities can have significant effects on their general well being.”

Mr Mickel said the WHSQ campaign aims to reduce the number and severity of injuries from slips, trips and falls on the same level.

“This is an issue in all workplaces, but we are focusing on high-risk sectors such as manufacturing, transport and storage, construction, health and community services, rural, retail and wholesale trade, and hospitality and recreation,” he said.

“We want to raise awareness of the main causes of injuries and ensure employers are aware of their obligations to manage the risks in their workplace.

“While inspectors will take action if uncontrolled slips, trips and falls risks are identified during the visits to workplaces, our aim is to provide advice on practical measures for eliminating or reducing them.”

For more information or to obtain a copy of WHSQ’s free practical Guide to preventing slips, trips and falls visit www.deir.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 915.




TIPS FOR ELMINATING OR MINIMISING INJURIES FROM SLIPS, TIPS AND FALLS

• Assess high-risk tasks and implement controls as required e.g.:

- tasks which create off-spray or by-products which contaminate the floor
- tasks where a worker’s vision is blocked
- tasks where a worker is required to push or pull loads up steep ramps requiring a lot of force
- tasks which require frequent turning and/or carrying loads on stairs
- tasks with tight timeframes that result in workers rushing to meet deadlines.
• Ensure flooring is suitable for the work being performed and contaminants are minimised as much as possible.
• Ensure regular maintenance of floors and ground surfaces, machinery and equipment is undertaken.
• Ensure cleaning methods are appropriate for the floor surface, type of contaminants and are performed as often as required.
• Ensure environmental factors are controlled such as:
- providing adequate lighting
- well marking or eliminating uneven surfaces or unexpected floor transitions
- minimising distractions such as mobile plant operating close to work areas.
• Ensure adequate storage is provided and trip hazards and obstructions are removed from walkways and work areas.
• Consider pedestrian factors such as the type of pedestrians using the work area and/or pedestrian behaviour (hurrying or distracted pedestrians) are considered
• Ensure footwear is matched to the work activity and the tread is suitable
• Ensure workers and contractors are given appropriate training
• Consider slips, trips, and falls prevention in the design of work areas.


Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349

29 April 2007