Prevention of Slip,trip and Fall in Industries Through Design

What do Slip, trip, and fall mean? 

Slip means a situation when one loses one's foothold. A trip means stumbling on an obstacle. In comparison, fall means drop or descent due to a lack of support by the force of gravity. 

Industrial Architects should ensure that slip, trip and fall are minimised due to design. Slip, trip and fall are the commonest cause of accidents in industries.  

One of the main benefits of preventing accidents is that it improves productivity and boosts the workforce's morale. Training the workforce in process and work safety also brings down accidents. 

What are the causes of slip, trip, and fall

The commonest cause of non-fatal accidents are slips and falls. The type and degree of injury may change but it often results in loss of production. 

The reasons for slip, trip, and fall are:

1. Floors that are slippery 
2. Uneven or loose floors
3. Insufficient and improper lighting
4. Poor Housekeeping
5. Improper footwear
6. Poor design
7. Obstructed view

How to avoid slips, trips, and falls in industries 

1. Proper signage for the wet floor, spillage, openings, etc.
2. Ensure that there are no loose cables, pipes, trenches, worn out carpets in areas of movement
3. Proper Housekeeping: avoiding clutter, cleaning workspaces, and lading, and docking areas, and
4. Aisles should be free of material

Industrial architect help prevent these accidents. 

Industrial architects should design an industrial facility by keeping an eye on the process and the client's requirements. They should de sign the facility with all safety concepts. 

Some of the steps that Architects can incorporate during the design stage are as follows: 

1. Designing well-lit aisle and material movement areas.
2. Man and material movement areas should be free of obstruction
3. Mark the movement areas properly
4. No loose cables, pipes or unmarked trenches in areas of movement.
5. Even floor. No abrupt change in floor height. Signages in case there is any height change
6. Proper slope and ramp as per codes and standards. 
7. Good drainage in areas where there are chances of spillage. 
8. Minimise dead spaces
9. Look for bottlenecks and resolve in the facility
10. Marked and planned floor trenches.
11. Proper guide rails 
12. Usage must determine the design of areas 

Industrial architects must design a facility to prevent slip, trip and fall . Prevention of accidents goes a long way in boosting the morale of the work force.