Safety Focused: Slips, Trips, Falls, and Reducing Workplace Stress through Time Management

Beware of Slips, Trips and Falls

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), over 42,000 workers are injured every year from falls. While a fall is typically thought of as occurring from an elevated position, 67 per cent of these reported falls occur on the same level as a result of a slip or trip.

Slips are caused by a lack of friction between a person’s footwear and the walking surface. Some of the most common sources of slips are:

  • Wet or oily surfaces
  • Spilled materials
  • Weather hazards
  • Loose rugs or mats

Some of the most common sources of trips are:

  • Obstructed view or poor lighting
  • Clutter on the ground
  • Wrinkled carpeting
  • Uneven walking surfaces

Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are often preventable through the following practices:

  • Wear slip-resistant footwear.
  • Clean or report spills immediately.
  • Always close storage drawers and cabinets after use.
  • Lay and secure cables, rugs and other ground coverings flush against the floor.
  • Take your time and pay attention to where you are going.
  • Make wide turns around corners.
  • Report walking obstructions to your supervisor immediately.

Contact CMB Insurance Brokers for more information.

Tips for Reducing Workplace Stress Through Time Management

A recent survey found that 35 per cent of Canadians feel they are more stressed from work now than they were five years ago. Additionally, 27 per cent rated their workplace stress as high to extreme.

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate workplace stress, it can be reduced through proper time management. The following time management techniques can help you complete tasks more efficiently and allocate resources to get ahead of future projects:

  • Prioritize your workload to complete the most important tasks first.
  • Learn how to say no to projects that aren’t time-sensitive or fall outside of your responsibilities.
  • Get plenty of rest at home, exercise and eat healthy, so you are energized and productive during the workday.
  • Eliminate distractions while you work, and focus only on the task at hand.
  • Start upcoming projects early whenever possible.
  • Don’t get bogged down in the small details. Focus on the bigger picture and return to the details later.
  • Turn your tasks into habits through repetition and a regular, reliable schedule.
  • Organize your workspace, computer folders and any tools to maximize your efficiency.
  • Budget time for each task and extra between tasks to address any issues and to prepare for upcoming projects.
  • Take occasional, short breaks to stretch and refocus your brain on something other than work.

If workplace stress persists, consider speaking to your supervisor about reducing or reorganizing your workload.