WORKCOVER NSW says May 2009 is Slips, Trips and Falls Month, in a campaign to reduce injuries and raise awareness of safety risks.
Slips, trips and falls include falling from heights, falling over on the same level, as well as stepping, kneeling or sitting on an object which may cause injury.
Incidents classified as slips, trips and falls caused 25,000 injuries in NSW in 2006 to 2007, or 18% of the 140,000 workers compensation claims made. All up, workers compensation claims cost NSW $203.5m in the period.
WorkCover NSW hopes Slips, Trips and Falls Month will make employers and workers stop and think about the ways in which they can eliminate or significantly reduce such incidents.
WorkCover NSW has also released a new online toolkit which includes four Slips, Trips and Falls Guides and Fact Sheets and a series of safety posters.
Checklists in the toolkit prompt looks at flooring coverings, poor lighting, spillages, workplace clutter, unguarded door openings, uneven floor surfaces, ramps and the use of ladders.