Don't Let a Spill Be Bad Business

Did you know that injuries from slip and fall accidents are the most common type of workplace accident?

With the Occupation and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) estimating that as much as 65% of lost work days are a result of slip and fall accidents, owners and managers can't afford to overlook the very real risk of slips in the workplace.

Spills in the workplace are a common cause of slips and falls, so what can you do to prevent such injuries? And how can you insure your business against a potential lawsuit?

Slipping Up In Business

It's all too easy to have a spill and cause an accident in the work place.

Some of the most common spills in business include:

• Beverages, which can be spilled in many locations;
• Food, either during food service or during staff breaks;
• Cleaning fluids;
• Industrial chemicals, oil or lubricants.

Add in the risk from inclement weather and it's easy to see why spills are such a risk.

If not dealt with straight away, a spill leads to a slippery surface with less traction, which in turn can lead to slips, sprains, strains, even broken bones, and of course lost work days, a possible lawsuit, and a less than happy working atmosphere.

How to Handle a Spill

With planning you can prevent most spills, but accidents can still happen and you and your employees need a plan of action for when a spill occurs.

Draw up a clear plan for potential types of spill, from beverages to industrial chemicals depending on your type of business.

Make sure employees know:

• Who to notify and how;
• What to use to clean up each type of spill;
• What protective clothing they will need (such as aprons or gloves);
• Where to dispose of the spilled substance and cleanup things.
  

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

The best way to deal with slip and fall accidents is to stop them from happening.

By being aware of potential spill hazards around your work place and taking steps to eliminate them and educate your employees, you're looking after their health and welfare and protecting your business from trouble.

Preventing spills is about being vigilant, identifying dangers, and taking protective measures. Start by:

• Drawing up a good spill response plan, as above;
• Implementing a housekeeping plan to keep the workplace clean and safe. Everyone should be clear on their responsibilities;
• Making sure the workplace is well lit and the floors are even and in good condition as much as possible, as dim lighting and uneven surfaces are an added hazard when a spill takes place;
• Having wet floor or caution signs to hand and making sure they are displayed as soon as a spill takes place;
• Using moisture absorbent mats in entrances and walk ways, putting anti-skid tape in particularly hazardous areas, and having the right floor covering for the kind of work being done.

Liability and Insurance

As an employer, it's important to know your responsibilities.

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Act of 1970 makes it clear that employers are responsible for ensuring employees have safe and healthy working conditions.

Employers are responsible for accidents that occur in the workplace, and have a duty to eliminate hazards and keep the workplace safe. Although cases vary on an individual basis, if an employee is injured due to a spill in your workplace, you could very well be held responsible, which is why spill prevention and a good spill action plan are so vital.

Nearly all business in the United States are required to have workers’ compensation insurance, covering employees for wages and medical care in the event of an accident at work. You can also take out differing types of liability insurance to cover potential legal expenses - the type will vary according to the nature of your business.

No one wants to deal with slips, falls, injuries and lawsuits.

By working with your employees to assess your workplace, provide clear procedures, and take steps to prevent and deal with spills, you are lessening your risk of such accidents, so make the time to assess your workplace today.