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Initiatives for Tourism & Hospitality

If you would like to work with the WorkSafeBC on health and safety issues, or for more information about health and safety initiatives for Tourism & Hospitality, contact WorkSafeBC Hospitality and Small Business Industry Services at .

Hospitality Today Article no. 3 "Preventing Slips and Falls"

Preventing Slips and Falls
Eliminate or reduce hazards of falling and slipping in your workplace
In the hotel and restaurant industries, injuries caused by slipping and falling are all too common. Recent time-loss claim accidents include:

  • A porter dislocating his right shoulder falling on a wet lobby floor
  • A kitchen helper sustaining third-degree burns from a deep fryer after slipping on some grease
  • A housekeeper fracturing her wrist falling off a chair while cleaning windows
Most accidents caused by slips and falls are a result of slippery and cluttered floors and stairs, loose or bumpy carpets and floor mats, defective ladders and footstools and poor visibility.

Here are some easy safety tips that can help prevent slips and falls:

  • Keep floors and stairs clean, dry, and clear of debris and obstruction
  • Make sure carpets, rugs, and mats are free of holes, loose threads, edges, or bumps that can cause tripping
  • Use adequate warning signs for wet floors
  • Make sure ladders and footstools are in good repair
  • Don't use chairs, stools or boxes as substitutes for ladders
  • If you drop or spill something, clean it up immediately
  • Walk -- don't run
  • Mark swinging doors with 'in' and 'out' signs
  • Wear proper footwear
Employers need to ensure workers understand the hazards of slipping and falling in their workplace. People aware of risks and trained in how to deal with them have fewer injuries.

For more information on how we can work together to address Hospitality's OH&S issues, contact your industry association or Tourism Industry Services at .



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