Keep Your Employees Well Grounded

Most of us have walked by a wet spot at work and ignored it. We didn’t make the mess, so why should we clean it up? The National Safety Council (NSC) offers 70 million reasons.

Slips, trips and falls account for approximately $70 million in workers’ compensation and medical costs annually, according to the NSC. These types of injuries are common in the restaurant industry, where slick floors, crowded walkways and safe work behaviors sometimes get overlooked in the name of prompt service.

Most slips, trips and falls can be avoided if employers and employees do their part.

Employer’s role

• Provide “Caution: Wet Floor” signs and slip-resistant mats.
• Make sure walkways are wide enough to comfortably get through.
• Install floor plugs for equipment so power cords do not obstruct walkways.
• Provide adequate lighting.
• Repair uneven floors.
• Fix leaky faucets and ice machines.

Employees’ role

• Wear slip-resistant shoes, not sandals, open-toe shoes, high heels, canvas shoes or leather-soled shoes.
• Clean slip-resistant mats regularly to prevent grease build-up.
• Mop up spills immediately.
• Keep walkways and exits clear.
• Do not run.
• Announce your presence when approaching blind corners.

TRA members who are in the workers’ compensation safety group underwritten by Texas Mutual Insurance Company can get free workplace safety materials in the safety resource center at texasmutual.com. To take advantage of the free materials, enter your Texas Mutual® online username and password, or click on New User.

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