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Slip and fall accidents cost companies and
municipalities millions of dollars a year and are very common.
According to the National Safety Council slip and falls are the
second most costly type of worker's compensation claim, averaging
$20,228. Slip and fall accidents can also be fatal. According to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 700 people a year die from
falling. Finding the areas that most commonly lead to these
accidents is the first step in preventing them.
Stair ways:
Many accidents occur when stairways are covered
with water, oil, grime or other slippery substances. Worn wood,
diamond plate, plastic or metal stairs are opportunities for
disaster.
Slip resistant
metal stair treads can easily be installed over existing stair
ways to prevent slip and fall accidents. They are long lasting and
durable. Many stair treads can be welded into place, or can be
attached with countersunk screws.
Replacing the nosing on the stair may be
another viable option. Non slip metal stair
nosings are an attractive solution to any slippery stair way.
Metal nosings can be attached to existing treads by bolting or
welding them on. They can also be placed into new cement with
J-hooks.
Ladders:
Falls that happen from ladders can be very
serious. Whether the ladder has a slippery substance on it, or the
worker is trying to carry too much up at once, the result can be
fatal.
Establishing safety rules for ladders is the
best place to start when preventing accidents.
Making the ladder rungs slip resistant will
prevent feet or hands from slipping off the rungs. Slip resistant
metal ladder rung covers that fit directly over the existing
ladder rungs are a cost effective solution to making ladders safer.
Metal rung covers can be welded onto slippery rungs easily renewing
safety.
If a new ladder is being built, slip resistant
metal rungs can be welded into the new construction. Non-slip metal
rungs and rung covers can be purchased in stock lengths, or cut to
specific sizes.
Catwalks / Walkways / Platforms:
From the food processing industry to the
automobile industry; worker platforms, walkways and catwalks can be
come covered with water, oil, cleaning materials or other slippery
substances, creating dangerous situations for workers.
Many industries have used diamond / checker
plate as a "slip resistant" solution. Diamond / checker plate can
become slippery when coated with any sort of wet substance.
Products such as non slip metal plate or grating are much better
options when it comes to preventing slip and fall accidents.
Slip resistant metal
plate or metal
grating can replace old flooring, or non slip plate, perforated
plate and expanded metal can be retrofit over top of the existing
floor.
Slip resistant metal products are available in
a variety of metal including steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
Steel products can be galvanized to facilitate use in outdoor
areas.
Sidewalks:
Municipalities face a chance for a costly
lawsuit when installing manhole covers or lids for utility vaults
in pedestrian walkways. Pedestrians taking a leisurely stroll down
the side walk can end up injured if they slip on a wet or oily
plate.
Slip resistant metal products are a cost
effective and long lasting solution.
Products can be fabricated to meet any DOT
standards, and can be personalized with a city logo.
Summary:
It is important that companies and
municipalities take the proper steps to avoid slip and fall
accidents that lead to injury or even fatality. Proper examination
of danger areas followed by investment in slip resistant materials
is a necessary precaution.
By facing slippery situations head on,
companies and municipalities can not only save millions of dollars
in compensation but can also save lives.
For more information on slip resistant metal
products please visit www.slipnot.com. SlipNOT Metal Safety
Flooring manufactures products that exceed OSHA and ADA
requirements for slip resistant standards. Contact them at:
313-923-0400, 800-754-7668 or via email at info@slipnot.com
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