Supervisors in Manufacturing – tips to avoid Slip Trip and Fall dangers

Factories, workshops, garages and other industrial work sites can be a high risk area for health and safety.

Slips, trips and falls can happen all too easily when there are temporary hazards, when the right equipment for a job is not being used, when safety equipment is not installed, or for other reasons.

The business owner, manager or supervisor is responsible for providing a safe working environment and the correct policies, and for setting the example for the safety culture.

WorkSafeBC has produced a very informative 5 minute video on this topic (link in image above and viewable below).

You might find this useful at one of your team meetings.

Assess the work area for hazards.

First thing in the morning or at the start of a shift is a good time to do this. Then be vigilant through-out the day.

1. Check the floor of the workshop, looking for liquids like oil or water, or debris such as metal fittings and tools on the floor.
2. Keep walkways clear of obstacles, and put up barriers and notices to prevent access if equipment on walkways is unavoidable for a temporary period.
3. Stairs and raised walkways must have handrails and guardrails, especially when going over machinery.
4. When working at height make sure an appropriate platform is used, rather than working from a ladder or steps.

Take appropriate action to deal with the hazard

The supervisor or manager is deemed to be the ‘responsible person’ and has a duty to identify potential risks, AND to take appropriate action. This action could take several forms, such as asking or instructing someone to:

• stop what they are doing, until the necessary safety action has been taken
• tidy up the hazard, such as mop up the spill or tidy the debris or equipment
• use appropriate equipment, such as a raised platform
• cordon off an area to keep people away from the area for the duration of a task
• install the necessary safety equipment, such as guard-rails on a temporary or permanent basis.

Supervision in Manufacturing – Slips trips and Falls video from WorkSafeBC

 

If this article or video triggers any issues about your workplace health and safety, about policies and procedures, or skills and training, simply contact Acorn Health and Safety via email here, or pick up the phone and call 0845  237 1231 and we’ll do our very best to help you.