Slips, trips and falls are already a leading cause of accidents and injuries in the workplace, but these incidents can
become even more common during the winter. Falls involving employees, customers and even pedestrians who
are merely walking past your business can all lead to serious injuries and legal claims.

Ice and Snow

During the winter, ice and snow present new seasonal hazards that employers must recognise as a serious safety
threat.

Take these steps to minimise the risk of slips and falls during the winter:

1. Identify outdoor areas where slips, trips and falls may be more likely, such as pavements and car parks.
2. Monitor the weather to stay aware of when slippery conditions will occur.
3. Utilise signage or warning cones to inform people of when conditions may be slippery.
4. Discourage people from taking shortcuts over grass or unpaved areas, as these may also become slippery and are less likely to be maintained.
5. Grit surfaces with rock salt to help prevent ice from forming or melt existing ice.

Titanium Supplier Fined After Material Falls on Employee

VSMPO Tirus Limited of Redditch was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,293.15 after pleading guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The case stemmed from an accident during which an employee sustained multiple fractures to his leg while operating a metal cutting band saw machine. The employee’s injuries occurred when nearly 1.5 tonnes of titanium fell from the machine and trapped his leg. An HSE investigation found that VSMPO had neglected to properly assess and manage the risk of material falling from the machine bed and did not implement adequate safety measures, such as extending the machine bed or installing stanchions with backstops.

Lighting

Inadequate lighting can prevent employees, customers and pedestrians from being able to see potential hazards or
obstructions. The amount of natural light in and around your organisation’s premises may change drastically during
the winter. Due to the shorter days, sunset may occur long before employees have completed their duties. As such, it is important for employers to assess how lighting around the workplace may have changed and then make any necessary adjustments.

In Conclusion

Given how common slips, trips and falls are, it is important that your organisation take ample precautions to minimise the likelihood of these accidents and maximise safety for those in and around your property. For more information, contact us today.