Fall protection violations topped the list – for the 13th year in a row - of OSHA workplace safety violations nationwide in 2023, according to a National Safety Council (NSC) report.
For pest control technicians slip and fall accidents while working in a residence or commercial property are an all too common occurrence. That is why it is important for technicians to be aware of their surroundings and their impact on the location.
Customers’ homes and commercial properties all harbor challenges with the presence of other people in the work area. When performing a service technicians can encounter employees, children, pets, customers of the business, and other contracted workers.
As visitors to these locations, we often have little control over the conditions in which we work. It is important that we remain very conscious of the impact on the safety of the premises and their other occupants.
Technicians should conduct a thorough inspection of the premises both on arrival and departure to review any hazards present and to assure that we have returned the premises to the same condition in which they were found.
Slip and fall accidents can occur for various reasons. Understanding these common slip and fall hazards can help in taking proactive measures to prevent accidents and maintain a safer workplace environment.
Wet or Slippery Floors
- Spills: Liquids such as water, oil, grease, or cleaning products spilled on floors can cause slips, especially if they are not cleaned up promptly.
- Mopping: Recently mopped floors that remain wet without proper warning signs are a frequent cause of slip and fall accidents.
- Weather-Related Wetness: Rain, snow, or ice tracked indoors by employees or customers can make floors slippery, particularly near entrances.
Uneven Surfaces
- Damaged Flooring: Cracked tiles, loose carpeting, or uneven floorboards can cause trips that lead to falls.
- Uneven Walkways: Sidewalks, parking lots, and paths that have cracks, holes, or sudden changes in elevation can create trip hazards.
- Mismatched Levels: Floors with varying heights, such as steps or transitions between different types of flooring, can catch employees off guard.
Obstacles in Walkways
- Cords and Wires: Unsecured electrical cords, cables, or hoses running across walkways can cause employees to trip and fall.
- Clutter: Boxes, tools, sprayers, ladders or other materials left in aisles, hallways, or work areas can obstruct walkways and lead to accidents.
- Furniture Placement: Poorly placed furniture, such as chairs or desks that partially block paths, can be a tripping hazard.
Poor Lighting
- Dimly Lit Areas: Inadequate lighting in work areas, stairways, or corridors can make it difficult to see hazards like steps, spills, or obstacles.
- Burnt-Out Bulbs: Failure to replace burnt-out bulbs or ensure proper lighting maintenance can contribute to accidents, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Stairs and Elevations
- Inadequate Handrails: Stairs without secure handrails increase the risk of falls, especially when combined with other factors like slippery steps or poor lighting.
- Uneven Steps: Stairs with inconsistent riser heights or tread depths can cause missteps, leading to falls.
- Missing or Worn Treads: Missing or worn-out non-slip treads on stairs can cause slips, particularly in areas where shoes might be wet or dirty.
Improper Footwear
- Inappropriate Shoes: Wearing shoes with poor traction, such as high heels or worn-out soles, can increase the likelihood of slipping, especially on smooth or wet surfaces.
- Lack of Safety Shoes: In certain workplaces, not wearing proper safety footwear, like non-slip shoes, can lead to more frequent slip and fall incidents.
Weather-Related Hazards
- Ice and Snow: Ice or snow on outdoor walkways, parking lots, or stairs can be extremely slippery and dangerous if not cleared or treated with salt.
- Wet Leaves: In autumn, wet leaves on sidewalks or entryways can create a slick surface, leading to falls.
- Mud and Debris: Mud or dirt tracked into the workplace can create slippery conditions, particularly in entryways or loading docks.
Poor Maintenance
- Neglected Repairs: Failure to promptly repair broken or uneven surfaces, such as potholes in parking lots or broken tiles in the workplace, can result in accidents.
- Blocked Drains: Clogged drains can lead to pooling water on floors, creating slip hazards that are easily overlooked.
- Inconsistent Cleaning Practices: Irregular or inadequate cleaning of floors, particularly in high-traffic areas, can lead to a buildup of substances that increase slipperiness.
Carpets and Rugs
- Loose or Buckled Carpets: Carpets that are not properly secured or that have wrinkles or bumps can cause trips.
- Sliding Rugs: Rugs or mats without non-slip backing can slide on smooth floors, leading to falls.
Ladders and Step Stools
- Unstable Ladders: Using ladders or step stools that are not properly stabilized can lead to falls, especially if the ladder is placed on an uneven surface.
- Improper Use: Overreaching, standing on the top rung, or not using a ladder correctly can result in loss of balance and a fall.
PestSure – Your Partner in Safety
Founded in 1980, PestSure is the only insurance and risk management provider that is 100 percent dedicated to the pest management industry. It offers industry professionals a full suite of insurance, risk management, and safety training and education offerings.
PestSure provides insurance, safety and risk management consulting to pest management companies representing $2 billion in revenue, $750 million in payroll and more than 16,500 service vehicles. The program is administered by Alliant Insurance Services.
Call 888.984.3813 or visit our contact page for more information.