A massive 48% of last year’s RIDDOR accidents were slips, trips and falls. [CLICK]

This year, although the figures point to our slips, trips and falls being less serious, the number occurring is still the same. [CLICK]

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So what can we do to reduce the number of slips, trips and falls we’re having? Well all these twisted ankles, sprained wrists, cuts, bumps and bruises CAN be avoided just by changing a few bad habits we might have slipped into! Here’s a reminder of six things we can all do to keep out of harms way. [CLICK]

1. Take extra care when stepping out of your vehicle. Six guys ended up in hospital last year because they hurt themselves getting out of their vehicles. One slipped up on the last step of his lorry and ended up suffering from a broken wrist. Another got his foot caught in his tool bag on the floor of the van, tearing ligaments in his leg. Accidents happen when you’re not paying attention. Make sure you’re always on the ball. [***Please add any local and/or relevant detail here—examples of incidents that will resonate with your teams] [CLICK]

2. Many accidents happen within the first 60 minutes of a shift 2. Many accidents happen within the first 60 minutes of a shift. Not being with it can totally catch you out. Make sure you’re wide awake and focused first thing. [***Please add any local and/or relevant detail here—examples of incidents that will resonate with your teams] [CLICK]

3. Take extra care when it’s slippery and wet. Last year we logged loads of twisted and broken ankle injuries, and all because it was wet or icy. A twisted ankle might not seem like a big deal… until it’s your ankle! Take a bit of extra care when the weather takes a turn for the worse. [***Please add any local and/or relevant detail here—examples of incidents that will resonate with your teams] [CLICK]

4. Always step ballast to ballast. Last year a trackman wasn’t too worried about how he was walking on track. Until he lost his footing on some loose ballast that was strewn across a slippery sleeper. He fell to the ground and smashed his elbow, seriously injuring his arm. Is it really worth risking injury when it’s so easy to get it right? [***Please add any local and/or relevant detail here—examples of incidents that will resonate with your teams] [CLICK]

5. Always use the handrail. Last year somebody simply misjudged the last step walking down a set of concrete access stairs. He came crashing down onto his back. Handrails are there for a reason – hold on. [***Please add any local and/or relevant detail here—examples of incidents that will resonate with your teams] [CLICK]

6. Don’t walk and talk Sounds like a silly rule doesn’t it. But 53% of last year’s slips, trips and falls happened because people were distracted by something or someone whilst walking. Even the silliest sounding rules are there for a reason. [***Please add any local and/or relevant detail here—examples of incidents that will resonate with your teams] [CLICK]

So, to summarise, there are six steps to staying out of harm’s way: [CLICK] 1. Take care stepping out of your vehicle. [CLICK] 2. Stay focused first thing. [CLICK] 3. Take extra care when it’s slippery and wet. [CLICK] 4. Always step ballast to ballast. [CLICK] 5. Always use the handrail [CLICK] 6. Don’t walk and talk [CLICK]

FINAL SLIDE Open the debate up to the audience, encourage the team to share stories, reasons for accidents, ways in which we can improve the accident rate etc etc. 12