Ladders and platforms

The number one cause of accidents at work continues to be so-called SRS accidents: At 20%, accidents due to tripping, slippingor falling areamong the most frequent causes of occupational accidents in trade and goods logistics – the proportion of SRS accidents on construction sites is even higher, at over 34%. What are the possible reasons for this and how can they be prevented?

Point 1: Good planning of traffic routes

The first step is certainly careful route planning within the company. This includes carefully separating footpaths and driveways from each other and planning sufficient width when planning footpaths. Differences in height and level should be avoided if possible. Where they cannot be avoided structurally, ramps and gentle slopes can replace a single step.

Point 2: Marking danger spots

If a “tripping hazard” cannot be avoided technically or structurally, it should be well identified by markings. Suitable markings for this purpose are, for example Floor markings such as adhesive tapes or floor paints, but also warning signs, information signs and mobile barriers for temporary hazards such as a wet floor.

Point 3: Clean and sure-footed ground

Another common cause of accidents: slippery floors. Therefore, keep your floors, indoors and outdoors, clean and as dry as possible. Wet leaves or spilled oil can become a real danger! Make sure you wear the right footwear! Under certain circumstances the use of Anti-fatigue mats make sense. Besides the main benefit that they relieve the muscles when standing for longer periods (this also helps to avoid accidents!), they are slip-resistant.

Point 4: Safe standing even at “height”.

Everyone is familiar with this: Climbing onto a pack of copy paper to get a folder from the shelf? Climbing onto the chair to close the tilting window?

Quick-quick? Rarely a good idea. But:

Certainly no one is immune to his or her own quick-wittedness or cases that arise out of a “quick-quick” situation. However, these can be contained by ensuring a safe working environment in advance. This not only makes working in the office or warehouse easier, but also gives you a good feeling that you are doing everything right. This is also true when it comes to Ladders or standing aids is at stake! Both are indispensable aids for daily use, be it to make hard-to-reach shelving or storage areas accessible or to provide a safe footing even in challenging situations.

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For all other cases: Step ladder, folding step and co

In any case, safety precautions must be taken to ensure that no one falls, even in stressful situations. First and foremost, for example, non-slip ladder shoes and non-slip steps on stepladders, folding steps and work platforms. They ensure safe and comfortable use, even when things get hectic. Stepladders with a shelf, e.g. for screws and tools, also support safety when working on the ladder, as work utensils are within easy reach and unnecessary climbing up and down can be avoided. This already minimises a small part of the risk of accidents!

Another advantage is that ladders and folding steps can be folded up: This means that these stepladders can be used flexibly, but can be stored away in a space-saving way after use. This also means that nothing stands around unnecessarily in the way, which in turn could become a tripping hazard. An important point that is unfortunately forgotten far too often!

Rolling stools or standing aids can also be used to bridge smaller differences in height. They provide support for anyone who has to do a lot of standing work, such as work in the warehouse and in retail. This type of company equipment also ensures barrier-free working and can thus contribute its share to daily work safety – then they can fully concentrate on their work without “incidents” and climb the career ladder “slip-free” step by step.