8 December 2004 - USDAW Publish Leaflet on Risk Mapping Tool
The risk mapping technique can be used by safety representatives in any type of workplace as an effective tool for the reduction of injuries arising from slips and trips.
The new risk mapping technique involves a few simple steps as follows:
- drawing a rough sketch map of the area
- marking on the map all the slips and trips reported in the last 12 months (or any relevant period) with crosses
- talking to workers to identify any near-misses and adding them to the chart
- finding out from workers what is causing people to slip or trip in that area
USDAW believes that following these few steps will identify the most vulnerable areas on the chart very quickly. It is then suggested by the union, that the following steps be taken by the safety representatives:
- discuss them with management
- decide what action needs to be taken
- continue to monitor the situation to ensure control measures put in place are working
- make sure improvements are communicated to highlight achievements
Some of the key facts about slips and trips within the workplace include the following:
- Slips and trips are the single most common cause of injury, accounting for a third of all reported major injuries
- A total of 95% of these injuries involve fractures of arms, wrists and ankles
- Slips and trips are particularly serious in the service industries, such as retail, where both workers and members of the public are at risk
The risk mapping for trips and slips can be accessed by clicking the following: Risk mapping for slips and trips
Article by Alexandra Johnston
