Category Archives: Slips and Falls

The Most Commonly Slipped-On Surfaces

It’s true…Americans slip and fall a lot. In fact, over one million Americans suffer a slip and fall injury every year. You’d almost wonder how we get so much done when we’re spending that much time letting gravity take us down. We slip both outside and inside on water, ice, grease spots, floor wax, your toddler’s apple sauce, and anything in between.

Well, let’s all fight back with a “not today, gravity” and identify some of the most commonly slipped on surfaces.

Interior Flooring Surfaces

When a floor is waxed or cleaned, a wet floor sign should obviously be put up. However, people don’t always do things that they’re supposed to do. So if you see the hardwood floor shining back up at you thanks to that fresh wax reflecting the ceiling lights, it’s probably in your best interest to proceed with caution.

Mopping can have the same effect, and in facilities like restaurants or grocery stores that are constantly being mopped, you must always be alert for any slick or slippery areas. The services, wholesale, and retail trade industries combined account for over 60% of injuries from same-level slip and fall incidents.

So if you work in one of these industries, stay alert at all times, watch where you’re walking (that means don’t have your head buried down in your phone), and if you do see a slick spot, throw that wet floor sign out there.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Most outdoor slip and fall injuries are the result of hazardous weather conditions (thanks, Earth). Whether it’s rain, snow, or ice, we love to slip on it. The weather is unpredictable and can change at any time, so unless you plan on never venturing outside again, there’s not much that you can do about avoiding it. Just stay alert and walk slowly if the elements do turn nasty.

But even on a sunny day, the outdoors are the host of several hazards that can cause falls. Uneven sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots are just perfect for the unsuspecting person to trip on. There’s no better way to start your day than by tripping on a pothole and watching your coffee go flying through the air. So stay alert, and always watch where you walk.

Entrances and Exits

Oh, you thought that all of Earth’s wonderful weather was just going to stay outside? If only that were the case. When people walk inside on a rainy or snowy day, they track in all of the water from outside and leave it nicely placed in the entryway of the building.

Now hopefully this building has a doormat at all entrances and exits, but if they don’t, these areas transform from doorways to slip-n-slides. And trust us, slipping your way into a grocery store isn’t exactly the most graceful way to do it. So stay alert when entering any building on a rainy day.

Obviously, nothing can protect you from all of these surfaces, but if you find yourself working in slippery conditions more often than not, feel free to check out our slip resistant shoes at www.srmax.com.

Slippery (Resistance) When Wet

Slips and falls can occur almost anywhere at any time. Didn’t see that grease spot on the kitchen floor? There’s a slip and fall right into the refrigerator. Missed that patch of black ice while walking into work in the middle of January? Now you’re laying on the sidewalk with a freshly sprained ankle.

If you work in slick and slippery environments, you may find that meetings between you and the ground are becoming more and more common due to slips and falls. Not wanting to hurt yourself and miss any time from work, it’s important to know just how to handle slippery conditions. Here are some of our tips.

Take slooooow steps (and learn how to do the shuffle)

There’s no need to rush over slippery spots. Take slow, small steps whenever you need to walk across potential slip hazards. Slowing your steps down also means that you can use your feet as “probes” to detect just how slippery the surface in front of you is.

Always watch where you’re stepping before you actually take a step. If you’re walking slowly, your reaction time will be more responsive to changes in traction. If stepping is too dangerous, do the shuffle! Keep your feet on the ground (at least one foot apart) and just glide and dance your way across that spill. We wouldn’t recommend practicing your ice dance routine, though.

Bend your knees, and walk flat-footed

Life is all about balance, right? Well, the same is true for walking over slippery surfaces. You’re going to want to make sure that you are as centered and balanced as possible. While walking, slightly bend your knees and try to walk flat-footed as much as you can. This keeps your center of gravity over your feet to maintain that perfect balance. To help with this, point your feet slightly outward.

Remember, none of this has to be too drastic. We don’t want you squatting down like a crab and walking sideways with your feet pointed out. Just get your feet directly underneath you and keep them flat while taking (slow) steps.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane…balance beams!

Remember when you were a kid on the playground walking along the balance beams? You didn’t keep your hands close to your sides to keep yourself balanced. You extended them straight out to your sides!

Now, do the same thing when walking across a slippery surface. Keep your arms extended to the sides to maintain your balance. And if you haven’t read a single word yet, remember this tip: Never keep your hands in your pockets. Not only will your balance be poor, but if you do slip, you won’t have your arms out to protect yourself. Hello, missing teeth.

Handrails are there for a reason

Those cute little handrails next to steps aren’t just there for decoration. They might be the one thing that keeps you from slipping and falling, so use them! If the stairs are slippery, use any railings that you can find to keep yourself balanced and upright.

If there aren’t any railings insight, try to use a wall, counter, or other surfaces nearby to grab onto while walking across the slippery surface. If all else, fails, take the balance beam approach we mentioned earlier.

Are slips common at your job? Then wear the proper footwear!

If you work in an environment where slips are a regular occurrence, then it’s important for you to have on a pair of slip-resistant shoes at all times. Interested in checking out some of our own styles? Feel free to browse through them at https://www.srmax.com/

Safety Tips for Any Industry

Restaurants, hospitals, and warehouses can be some of the most dangerous places to work when it comes to slips and falls. Liquid spills, oily floors, and even dust can pose a threat to your safety and well-being at work.

Check out our 12 Safety Tips and get inspired to help make your own work environments safer and more productive. Click the link below to download a pdf version for your employees and coworkers:

Click here for a print download.

Looking to learn more about our slip-resistant shoes? Check us out at www.srmax.com

12 Safety Tips For Any Industry

Warehouses, foundries, construction sites and factories can be some of the most dangerous places to work when it comes to accidents and injury: large and moving machinery such as forklifts, carrying heavy loads such as pallets and heavy equipment can be hazardous for you and your workers.

Check out our 12 Tips for Safety and get inspired to help make you safer and more productive at work:

1. Know your safety protocols– Make sure emergency exits are clearly marked and you know the quickest route to safety from any location in the facility. In addition to knowing where your emergency exits are located, it is important to know where first-aid kits and supplies are kept. In an emergency, you don’t want to be faced with the task of locating the first aid kit.

 2. Perfect Posture – If you work at a desk, make sure that your shoulders are in line with your hips to avoid back problems. When picking things up, use correct form so your back doesn’t get hurt, and whatever you do, avoid stooping and twisting. If you have access to ergonomically designed furniture and safety equipment so that everything you need is comfortably within reach.

3. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings – This tip requires that you first know what particular hazards your job or workplace can entail. Once you’ve learned about the risks, you will be able to steer clear of any potentially hazardous areas or situations.

4. Take regular breaks – There are many work-related injuries and illnesses that occur because of fatigue. Taking regular breaks helps you stay fresh and alert on the job. One useful tip for staying alert is to schedule the most difficult tasks when your concentration is at it’s best, like first thing in the morning, or later in the afternoon depending on your own workflow.

5. Report Unsafe Conditions to Your Supervisor – It’s your job to make sure that your work environment stays safe for you and your fellow employees. It’s your supervisor’s job to provide you with the resources and materials to make that happen. They need to be informed about any workplace safety hazards or risks. Your supervisor is legally obligated to ensure that employees have a safe working environment. Help keep them informed and keep your work environment safe!

6. Keep Emergency Exits Easily Accessible – Quick, easy access to exits are necessary for any work environment. Keep the pathways to these exits clear and free of debris in order to ensure a quick and hasty escape, should you need one. It’s also recommended to keep clear access to equipment shutoffs in case you need to quickly stop them from functioning.

7. Don’t Try to Impress – We can’t stress this enough, use mechanical aids whenever possible. If you are faced with lifting and moving heavy objects all day long, don’t try and show off in front of your coworkers by lifting heavy materials improperly, or by trying to lift something that you shouldn’t be lifting in the first place. Use the dollies, forklifts and hand trucks that you have available to make your job easier and prevent injuries. Also remember to wear protective clothing including hard hats, gloves, vests, masks, belts, eyewear and proper safety footwear.

 8. Reduce stress in the workplace – Stress can lead to depression and concentration problems. Common causes of workplace stress include long hours, heavy workload, job insecurity and conflicts with coworkers or managers. Take your concerns about workplace stress to your supervisor to see how they might help you address them.

9. Dress for Safety and Success– Avoid wearing baggy or excessively loose-fitting clothing. As with any job, it is important to dress the part. That means wearing comfortable clothing that is not too baggy. This will help protect you from getting caught anything that might be on the side of your path or line of walking. Proper slip resistant footwear is also important in your line of work.

 10. Use Tools and Machines Properly – Take the proper precautions when using tools, and never take shortcuts. Taking shortcuts is the leading cause of workplace injury. It’s a huge safety risk to use scaffolding as a ladder or one tool in place of another for a specific job. Using tools the right way greatly reduces the chance of workplace injury.

11. Stay Sober–  This one seems like a no-brainer, yet around three percent of workplace fatalities occur due to alcohol and drugs. When a worker’s ability to exercise judgment, coordination, motor control, concentration or alertness is compromised, this leads to any number of risks for workplace injury and fatalities.

12. Keep the Lines of Communication Open – It’s important to be aware of the government and company safety regulations that your company and industry need to abide by. However, it is just as important to create and foster clear lines of communication when it comes to the details surrounding the implementation of these rules and regulations within your company. This includes taking the time to properly train new hires, as well as communicate up to date information regarding safety protocols and plans of action.

Hopefully, the 12 Tips for Safety gave you some ideas and inspiration on how to improve your own company’s safety culture. For more tips, tricks, and other questions check us out at www.srmax.com

Encouraging Employee Compliance

Encouraging Employee Compliance

Every employee can appreciate the fact that there are rules and regulations set in place to protect them while they’re working. But getting employees to follow these codes can be a completely different ball of wax.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

In order for your employees to follow the parameters of your company’s shoe program and make sure that they are up-to-date on their slip resistant work shoes, it is important to make sure that they know why the shoe program is being implemented, to begin with. Communicate with them about why it is so crucial that they comply since safety is a top priority. Inform your company about workplace dangers such as slip and fall risks, and discuss how to identify and prevent them to create an environment of caution and an all-important culture of safety. Lastly, educate them on what their shoe program offerings are. This could cover anything from approved styles to special corporate pricing, to whether or not they are approved for payroll deduction or subsidy and other important aspects of their new shoe program.

The Simpler, the Better

To ensure maximum participation and the highest rate of success within your company when it comes to employees following safety shoe guidelines, implement a subsidized corporate shoe program or a payroll deduction program. By implementing a simple program such as these, it is more likely that employees will have a more difficult time finding an excuse to not participate than to participate.

Ensure Maximum Style

Fact: No one wants to wear ugly slip-resistant shoes. Create a sense of unity among your staff by outfitting them in uniforms and allowing them to pick from a range of options when it comes to their slip-resistant footwear. When employees are required to wear uniforms to work, they feel a sense of equality amongst others due to uniforms eliminating competition, and are more apt to feel instilled with a sense of belonging and loyalty to the company. SR Max® offers an exceptional selection of over 200 styles from 14 different name brands that employees are familiar with and actually want to wear. When your associates genuinely like the shoes that they are required to wear, they are far more likely to stay compliant with your corporate shoe program.

Give Positive Reinforcement

By choosing to give positive reinforcement for employees that choose to follow the parameters of the shoe program for your company, you are giving not only your employees a pat on the back, but you are giving yourself as the employer one as well for choosing to implement a safety shoe program. Positive reinforcement can go a long way towards ensuring that your priorities and goals for your shoe program are met. Give your employees who consistently follow the rules some recognition and rewards in response to their high level of compliance. If you incentivize your workforce with a thought-out system of rewards and bonuses, new programs such as a slip resistant shoe program will always prove to integrate themselves smoothly. For employees who choose to disregard the rules and do what they want, a measure of accountability must be created. At some point, progressive discipline has to be enacted and in the long run, if no disciplinary measures are taken, the problem itself will continue.

For more information and questions regarding corporate shoe programs, please visit us at www.srmax.com.

Sole Education Grant Student, Nikki

Tips for Keeping Your Feet Warm on the Job

 

Throughout most of the country, the weather is getting colder by the week, and soon (if it hasn’t happened already) the snow, ice, sludge will begin to descend upon thousands of cities and towns. For some, this time of year is magical. Chances are those people aren’t working all day in those conditions. You may even work in an environment that requires you to stand in a large freezer for hours on end. Whatever the case may be, these tips are sure to help.  

Keeping your toes warm while wearing slip resistant work boots may seem impossible, however, with these simple, easy to follow tips you can march through the cold knowing that your toes will stay toasty.

You will notice a pattern with this blog post, so we will point it out to you now, warm feet and dry feet work with each other.

Check out our top tips for keeping your feet warm on the job this winter:

          Keep your feet dry

This is a fairly basic and preventative tip. If your feet are dry, they are more likely to be warm and stay that way throughout the day. Two main factors can influence this: the water solubility of your work boots, and the moisture absorption and thickness of your socks.

Buy Waterproof Boots – When purchasing a pair of safety toe work boots, it is always important to keep your daily work environment in mind. If the area you work in is damp, or you spend a lot of time outside or around water, it is wise to invest in waterproof work boots that can handle the task.

Get the right socks – You might have checked out our other blog post on how to choose the right socks for your job. The same message applies here. If you are working in a cold, wet environment, you will want to invest in socks that can withstand the elements such as wool or other synthetic moisture-wicking sock blends. We recommend investing in these types of socks as they wick away moisture from your feet as the day goes on, keeping your feet warm and dry.

Pro Tip: Keep your work boots inside. That way when you go to put them on before your shift, they will be nice and warm right off the bat.

Buy the right boots – When it comes time to buy your cold weather work boots, there are several things to consider. Different boots offer varying levels of insulation and moisture-wicking capabilities, and therefore it is important to get a pair of boots that can stand up to the task of keeping you on your feet in cold, wet environments.

With all of these factors to consider, it is wise to do your research before purchasing your next pair of work boots. If you still have questions regarding the appropriate size and fit of your safety work boots, please don’t hesitate to comment or email us with your questions. We also suggest visiting a shoe store that specializes in work wear if possible.  

Ready to learn more about our products and tips we offer? Check us out at www.srmax.com

 

Tips to Keep You Safe at Your Warehouse Job

Slippery surfaces, extremely hot or cold climates, and potential hazards around every corner. If that description sums up your job conditions, chances are you work in a warehouse. As a manager or employee, you are more than aware of the risks that come with the job. In fact, a warehouse is one of the most dangerous places to work. But you can help reduce the potential for accidents in the workplace just by following some simple safety advice.

Here are some safety tips for working in a warehouse:

Tip 1: Don’t Try to Impress

If you are faced with lifting and moving heavy objects all day long, don’t try and show off in front of your coworkers by lifting heavy materials improperly, or by trying to lift something that you shouldn’t be lifting in the first place. Use the dollies, forklifts and hand trucks that you have available to make your job easier and prevent injuries. Also remember to wear protective clothing including hard hats, gloves, vests, masks, belts, eyewear and proper slip-resistant footwear.

Tip 2: Clear Areas of Pallets, Cartons, and other Debris

All areas should be kept clean and free of debris. When unpacking materials, immediately dispose of any debris that could cause slips and falls. Treat aisles the same way you would a busy street. Look both ways and always stay alert when crossing or going around corners. Empty trash cans before they fill up all the way. Always stack heavier objects on the bottom of piles with lighter objects on top. This helps to ensure that your stacks won’t collapse on or around you, ultimately keeping you and your coworkers safe from falling boxes and materials.

Tip 3: Dress for Safety and Success

Avoid wearing baggy or excessively loose-fitting clothing. As with any job, it is important to dress the part. That means wearing comfortable clothing that is not too baggy. This will help protect you from getting caught anything that might be on the side of your path or line of walking. Proper slip resistant work shoes are also important in your line of work.

Tip 4: Know your safety protocols

Make sure emergency exits are clearly marked and you know the quickest route to safety from any location in the facility. In addition to knowing where your emergency exits are located, it is important to know where first-aid kits and supplies are kept. In an emergency, you don’t want to be faced with the task of locating the first aid kit.

This final tip probably doesn’t come as a surprise either, but it is imperative that you report safety hazards when you see them. This ensures that the issue is dealt with immediately, lowering the risk for at-work accidents. And the end result is a safer, more efficient and ultimately, profitable company.

To learn more about what we can do to help you stay safe at work, check us out at srmax.com

How to Stay Safe While Working on a Cruise Ship

Article by Emily Bennett

 

As cruise ships continue to become larger and accident reports continue to progress in great numbers, we are left wondering what exactly is being done to better train crew members in the event of an emergency at sea or in port?  Every crew member should have at least some familiarity with how to properly handle any onboard situation, including how to best evacuate passengers in the event of the vessel becoming disabled, what to do in the event of an onboard emergency, and most importantly how to keep themselves safe while on the job, especially when it comes to slip and fall accidents.

Safety is the top priority for both passengers and crew members while onboard the ship. As passengers are continually coming onboard for an unforgettable time at sea, crew members must enforce safety protocol for everyone on board, in order to make sure that no one’s life is put in immediate danger.

Food for thought: If crew members are not following proper protocol to maintain onboard safety, how can they be trusted with ensuring a passenger’s onboard safety? Here are a few safety tips that crew members should follow to make sure that everyone remains safe and has an exceptional time while onboard.

 

  • Know the Maritime Laws: Since each vessel usually flies a foreign flag, it can be difficult to understand the difference between each country’s laws and what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Be sure to learn your cruise company’s requirements, including regulatory maritime and cruise ship laws to ensure that you are putting your best foot forward at all times, and most importantly not endangering anyone.

 

  • Participate in Safety Meetings: Upon each new boarding, crew members should participate in a safety meeting, usually carried out right before your ship leaves port. It is in these meetings that you will be informed of your duties in the case of an emergency and will be required to know where you need to congregate in the event of an accident or evacuation.

 

  • Obtain certificates in Basic Firefighting, Survival at Sea and Basic First Aid: Once onboard a vessel, crew members are expected to know how to operate lifeboats, where the boats and rafts are located, how to launch them, and know about the different fire-extinguishers onboard and what kind of fire they are used for. Basic First Aid is also required to address any type of non-life threatening injury while onboard.

 

  • Acquire a pair of Slip Resistant Shoes: In order to help keep crew members accident free, slip resistant work shoes are a great asset to each crew member’s uniform. With a slip resistant sole, crew members are kept safe at work and experience a decrease in slip and fall injuries when it comes to working around unseen spills.  

 

 

These are just a few of the many safety recommendations for cruise ship workers when it comes to staying safe at sea and at the port. It is crucial for crew members to understand that our responsibility is ensuring the safety of all who are onboard (including ourselves), as well as our duty to protect passengers as per maritime law.

For more information on work safety tips, visit us on our website at srmax.com.

Top Safety Tips for Cafeteria Workers

Article by Lindsay Cleghorn

Go back to school… accident free!

Back to school isn’t just for the kiddos. For the past month or so, Cafeteria workers have also been heading back to school to serve hundreds upon thousands of students every day. And just like any other kitchen, cafeterias can be full of hazards if you aren’t paying attention. Check out these tips to keep yourself and coworkers safe in the kitchen this school year:

Avoid the Slick Spots:

DON’T Feel the Burn

  • Always use proper protection for hot items such as oven mitts, hot pads, utensils,  and heat resistant gloves as your first line of defense against burns.
  • When preparing food always stand away from steamy items such as pots and pans, or items in microwaveable packaging such as steam bags for vegetables, and never drop food directly into a fryer, avoid any oil splatters by carefully placing the items in the hot oil with a slotted spoon.
  • Another key tip is to avoid overfilling pots, this prevents any hot liquid from boiling over the sides.

Cut it Out  

  • In order to avoid any cuts or scrapes, try cutting away from your body while using a stabilized cutting surface such as a cutting board when chopping something. Waiting until food is completely thawed before cutting into it will also help prevent cuts due to the fact that there will be less of a struggle to get the knife through the food.
  • Only use a knife for its intended purpose… that means you too, knife wielders.
  • Last but not least, this one seems pretty obvious, but we’ll go ahead and say it anyway. DON’T try and catch falling knives. The chances of you catching it in a way that doesn’t lead to an injury are slim to none. Even though it means taking yet another object to the dishwasher, it’s better than losing a digit due to a knee-jerk reaction.   

These are just a few basic tips to help keep you safe on the job. If you want to take it a step further, check out this blog on safety tips you can implement today, or learn more about starting your own shoe program.

 

Interested in learning even more? Visit us online at srmax.com today!

 

Top Exercises to Do While Standing at a Workstation

Article by Emily Bennett

Let’s be real here. Not everyone has time in their day to go to the gym after work or on their break. Demanding lives lead to our time being given up for other, more important things, like a job. Luckily, the state of our health doesn’t have to go with it.

As most people know, standing around all day at a workstation can be tiring. Standing there for hours on end in your slip-resistant shoes without really getting to move your legs can be even more tiring, and painful on top of that.

So while you’re just standing there at your workstation waiting to finish a task, why not add some exercises to help pass the time? You may even find that it helps you to stay focused and add some spunk to your step. Not to mention, if you are more focused and alert, you will be less likely to have a slip and fall accident. Here are a few exercises to help keep you on the balls of your feet throughout the workday:

  1. Pop a Squat: Keep your back straight and slowly bend down, imagining that you’re sitting down in a chair. When your thighs are parallel to the floor, return back up to standing position and repeat again.
  2. Raise Your Calves: Have both of your feet flat on the floor and then begin to stand on your tippy-toes. Hold this move for three seconds and then return to normal position, repeating it as many times as you please.
  3. Pushing those Pushups: Plant your hands on the edge your station, shoulder-width apart. Stretch your legs out behind you, lower your chest to the desk, and just push up.
  4. Marching in Your Place: You can burn up to 225 calories just from marching or pacing in place for around an hour. Movement like this can also stimulate brain activity, so you’ll be good to go when it comes to being productive AND energetic.
  5. Get a Good Shoulder Stretch: Stretch one arm across your chest, and reach your other arm under and in front of it (don’t just half do it!) . Pull your arms close to your chest and hold right there in place. Then, just reverse the stretch and repeat again.

By doing these exercises, you’re saving your body a headache in the long run. Believe it or not, research shows that by just doing 30 minutes of exercise a day can help fix pain caused from standing for long periods of time.

So do your body a favor and get to work on starting some of these exercises, even if that means doing them in your slip resistant work shoes. You’ll feel better about yourself, and you might even pick up some compliments along the way. Remember, a healthy body leads to a more happy and healthy you (and a better effort made on the job!).

Visit us at www.srmax.com for more information on treating your body and staying in shape in the workplace.