Slipping Up Construction Safety, by Corinne Maddox, CCM, CFM

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, there are over 9 million slip and fall accidents per year, which account for over a third of all building insurance costs in general liability and workers' compensation claims. Facility managers and project managers can minimize these accidents by surveying the facilities for potential hazards and taking steps to correct them.

Some common problems are smooth slippery finishes such as polished tile or granite, wet surfaces, level changes, inconsistent or non-standard stair dimensions, uneven floor surfaces, cracks and holes, inadequate guardrails and handrails, and flooring defects such as wrinkled and unraveling carpet. The cost of improvements is easily justified by the insurance savings. It does not take many sick days or insurance claims to pay for significant improvements, and even low cost improvements can substantially reduce accidents.