The ACT Work Safety Commissioner has warned the Territory’s employers to be prepared for the increased risk of slips, trips and falls that comes with Canberra’s winter.
The Commissioner, Greg Jones, said that while the colder weather increased risks in construction and outdoor trades, it also impacted on other sectors.
“Construction and outdoor trades are some of the biggest sectors impacted by the cold weather, but other sectors including retail, business and hospitality can also see injury increases from wet and slippery floors and surfaces,” Mr Jones said.
“Injuries caused by slips and falls can be significant and can lead to work-ending injuries, such as chronic back and joint injuries or significant head injuries; however, the good news is that injuries from slips, trips and falls are preventable.”
He said employers and workers could do simple things such as wiping up spills as soon as they occurred, wiping muddy boots or shoes before going indoors or climbing scaffolds and putting non-slip and absorbent mats at entry points in the retail sector so customers left any wet footprints at the door.
Mr Jones said outdoor workers, including those working at heights, were at particular risk during the colder weather and employers should be vigilant when it came to safety.
“Employers should ensure that cold weather safety forms a key part of tool box or safety talks with reminders to workers on avoiding frosty, wet and muddy surfaces,” he said.
“It is important that workers wear appropriate protective clothing — including boots with solid grip and supportive soles, gloves which have grip, high visibility clothing (especially important when it is foggy), beanies and water-proof clothing.”
Mr Jones said employers should also look to move work tasks that require high visibility or working at heights to later in the day when fog lifts and surfaces are not frosty.
“Let’s work together to address any cold weather risks and make our workplaces healthier and safer,” the Commissioner said.
