Safe passage
UK employees suffered 10,835 major injuries as a result of slipping and tripping in 2005/06, according to the HSE, so such accidents remain serious problems - accounting for 38% of all major injuries.
Maintenance means business
Maintec 2006 promises everything for today's maintenance professional, whether in industry, commerce or the public sector. It takes place from 14-16 March at the NEC, Birmingham.
How to maintain a sure footing
Industrial flooring is becoming smarter than ever, with manufacturers' research and development leading to a new era in floors that are faster to apply, more attractive and harder working. However, some basic factors need to be considered to ensure the right floors are specified, with the correct choice followed by good maintenance, vital to a successful project.
First floor
Although the number of major injuries to employees as a result of slips and trips decreased slightly between 2006 and 2007, from 10,955 to 10,790, they remain the most prevalent cause, accounting for 38% of the total. More disturbing is the HSE's Fit3 (fit for work, fit for life, fit for the future) employer survey 2006, which found 83% of respondents accepting that their workers could be at risk due to slips and trips.
Flawed floor?
A recent survey of 1,500 IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety & Health) members revealed that slips and trips are the most recognised safety hazard in the workplace. Yet just 22% of respondents use key preventive measures, such as testing for floor slipperiness.
Flooring - Don't slip up on safety
Slips and trips cost British industry millions of pounds a year, can result in expensive legal actions and, most significantly, can inflict great physical and mental pain on the injured party.
Don't stand for pain
The position of standing is one many of us take for granted in our daily lives. It is not until we start to feel the odd ache and pain that we become more aware of how much pressure the standing posture creates on our bodies. Although it may seem mundane, the floor surface we stand on is a key factor to take into consideration and, for those whose occupation requires long periods of standing, it is especially important.
What lies beneath
Temperature changes, static requirements, liquids, impact, abrasion and chemicals can all affect a floor's performance. Add static electricity to the mix and the result can be potentially explosive.