Between 2003 and 2015, slips, trips and falls resulted in the death of 386 Australian workers. The work environment accounted for nearly 56 per cent of all the accidents. Common causes included slippery surfaces following rain or spills, poor lighting, and poorly designed workplaces.

1. Workplace Risks:
Slips and Falls
Mattek

2. Between 2003 and 2015, slips, trips and falls resulted in the death of 386 Australian
workers. The work environment accounted for nearly 56 per cent of all the accidents.
Common causes included slippery surfaces following rain or spills, poor lighting, and
poorly designed workplaces.
Common Injuries
People in construction, traffic control and factories are most at risk of work-related
accidents.
Safe Work Australia states that knee damage is the most common injury from trips and
falls. About 4,930 people have sustained knee injuries, which amounts to about 20.7 per
cent of all cases recorded.
Next, come ankle injuries at 16.7 per cent, and upper and lower back injuries at 12.65 per
cent.

3. Reducing Risks
Both workers and their employers must work together to minimize the risks of accidents
in the workplace. Employers are obliged by the Australian Workplace Health and Safety
law to identify and eliminate any potential dangers to a reasonable degree.
If the hazard cannot be eliminated, to the risk must be minimised and clearly marked.
Employers are required to implement strict safety protocols in the workplace. They must
also provide a range of safety equipment for their workers to use. Some examples include
rubber safety mats, high traction work boots, helmets, and protective kneepads. Whilst
working at height, such as the construction of high-rise buildings, the site will likely be
inspected by a health and safety officer. He or she has the authority to close the site.
Therefore, the contractor will provide durable safety equipment, such as a safety harness
or safety rails, to prevent falls.

4. Employers must also seek to eliminate workplace hazards as soon as they appear – all
spills should be cleaned up immediately, using professional spill kits, to ensure that the
surface is completely dry. Dark areas should be well lit, with workers carrying some form
of light.
Safety measures are an essential part of the work environment and always be enforced to
prevent serious injury or death.
Sources:
http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/pages/safety-and-prevention/health-and-safety-
topics/slips-trips-and-falls
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/slips-trips-falls
http://www.mattek.com.au/
http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/pages/safety-and-prevention/health-and-safety-
topics/slips-trips-and-falls
http://workplaceohs.com.au/hazards/slips-and-falls