​By 2032, nearly 25 percent of the U.S. workforce is projected to be 55 and older, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

And surveys show that more and more Americans are working past the traditional retirement age of 65.

What does it mean for your company? How can you prevent injuries as your workforce ages?

Why older workers are at higher risk for serious injury

Although older workers are injured less frequently than younger workers, their injuries are typically more severe and take longer to recover from.

They may have comorbidities, such as diabetes or heart disease, that lead to slower recovery and higher medical costs — older workers typically take twice the recuperation time of younger employees, according to the BLS .

There are physiological reasons why aging employees are at higher risk for serious injury.

The first is muscle strength. The aging process leads to distinct muscle mass and strength loss, according to the National Library of Medicine . In fact, muscle strength declines from people older than 40 between16.6% and 40.9%.

The second is hearing and vision loss. As people age, the chances of experiencing hearing and vision loss increase. These changes can make employees less aware of their surroundings, and therefore more susceptible to injury. For example, a construction worker who can’t hear the warning beep of a vehicle backing up.

But the No. 1 risk for older workers is falls, and they can result in more serious injuries than you might expect. For example, workers who’ve slipped and fallen on ice while shoveling have ended up with multiple fractures or even traumatic brain injuries.

Four tips for preventing injuries among older workers

Workplace safety is important for all your workers, no matter their age or experience level. A comprehensive safety program will benefit your entire workforce.

Here are a few practical ideas to better protect your older workers in particular.

1. Enhance injury prevention through a wellness program

Employers can help prevent strains, sprains and falls by encouraging improved flexibility, strength and balance.

Consider starting a flex and stretch program, walking program or covering all or a part of the cost of gym memberships — especially if there’s one nearby with a pool. Swimming is a great form of exercise for injury prevention because it improves strength and flexibility without high impact.

Some companies are constructing workout centers onsite for employee use or holding exercise classes such as yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi.

2. Prevent slip-and-fall injuries

Ensure a safe working environment by maintaining parking lots and sidewalks, keeping walkways dry and clear of clutter and applying slip-resistant floor treatments in appropriate areas. Then, make sure your employees are aware of the risks of slip-and-fall injuries.

Oftentimes, simple steps like wearing appropriate footwear, walking cautiously in wet or slippery conditions and using handrails can prevent a fall.

For employees who spend any time working outside during the winter — like bus drivers, maintenance workers or playground supervisors — encourage wearing traction footwear. Employees who work in environments that are sometimes wet or greasy, such as kitchens or hospitals, should wear slip-resistant footwear. (See a list of slip-and-fall prevention vendors recommended by SFM.)

3. Make sure employees can meet the physical requirements of the job

For new hires, require a pre-employment physical to ensure they are capable of all the tasks the job requires. Make sure the person doing the testing has an up-to-date job description that includes all the essential functions. As part of the examination, have the physician review a medical history questionnaire, which may reveal issues not apparent during the physical exam. The cost of testing will likely pay for itself if you prevent even one back or shoulder injury.

State laws and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act govern how pre-employment physicals can be conducted and used, so it’s important to consult your legal counsel before starting such a program at your company. Any tests used must be job-related and consistent with business necessity. Generally, if applicants have disabilities that interfere with their ability to participate in the testing process, result in them failing the exam, or both, employers must engage in an interactive reasonable accommodation process.

For more information see the Pre-employment physical examinations Legal Advisory.

4. Improve ergonomics

Focusing on ergonomics becomes even more important with older workers. Perform ergonomic evaluations in your employees’ work areas — whether they work at a desk, in a vehicle, on a production floor or in another environment. Ask your employees for their suggestions on how their jobs could be altered to avoid fatigue or soreness.

Eliminate manual lifting wherever possible by changing the layout of the work area or providing lifting equipment. If lifting is required, use proper lifting technique. This is especially important in health care, where injuries from patient handling are common.

For repetitive tasks, practice job rotation. This requires cross-training employees on more than one job, which can be a benefit if someone quits or is absent.

Older workers offer knowledge, experience and expertise that many employers find desirable and will try to retain in the coming years. A little planning and attention can help keep your workforce safe and productive at any age.

Originally published in November 2018; updated in August 2024.

Preventing hand injuries in the workplace is vital for a number of reasons.

In 2021-22, there were nearly 240,000 cases of hand injures that resulted in employees needing days away from work, according to the National Safety Council , with another 455,000 days away, restricted or transferred cases.

The two primary causes of hand injuries stem from hand tools and machinery.

Cuts, lacerations and even amputations can have a major impact on productivity and workers’ compensation.

In the manufacturing industry specifically, most modern equipment has safeguards to prevent against hand injuries. Still, they continue to happen.

“Sometimes, people ask, ‘Why would they stick their hand into a piece of equipment when they know it’s dangerous?’ We need to change the question from, why would they stick their hand in there to why can they stick their hand in there,” said Mike Fetting, SFM Loss Prevention Specialist. “One is too many.”

Consider your risk tolerance for using unguarded machines – it should be zero. If you’re unsure of how to guard your machine, you can see the Occupational Safety and Health Administration machine guarding eTool referenced below or ask your SFM contact.

The other key is observation, coaching and enforcement to ensure employees are not removing or disabling guards.

Another critical factor is using Lockout/Tagout when removing a guard for servicing, cleaning, setup, clearing, etc. SFM offers a useful 5-Minute Solution on Lockout/Tagout.

SFM has compiled two resources about hand safety to help employers prevent hand injuries in the workplace. They are specific to two industries in which hand injuries often occur:

• Construction
• Manufacturing

Employers should also note that the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a Machine Guarding eTool that focuses on recognizing and controlling common amputation hazards associated with the operation and use of certain types of machines.

Tips for safe tools and gloves

In addition to maintaining proper safety protocols regarding machines, employers should also do research about gloves and safe tools, Fetting said.

“Not all gloves are created equal, for both chemicals and lacerations,” he said. “Selection is important, but it can be tricky finding the perfect combination of protection and dexterity.”

Fetting recommends contacting glove manufacturers directly to determine the best glove for your operation.

Likewise, ensuring employees have the proper tools for their job is also important. Having the correct safety knife can make a big difference. The safest either have concealed blades or are fully automatic retractable smart knives. Some manufacturers also offer safety training videos for employers to peruse and share with employees.

Lastly, employers in some industries may want to consider if an item needs to be cut at all. If can be ordered to size, that may be a safer option.

Conclusion

Preventing hand injuries in the workplace, especially for companies in certain industries, and maintaining high safety standards should be paramount for all employers.

As summer winds down, school safety should be top of mind.

Schools face unique safety challenges relative to other types of organizations, which is why SFM has a wealth of resources available. View our School safety resources page for more, plus links to even more information for keeping schools safe.

Below are a few highlights for you to peruse.

Safety training talks for schools

SFM’s Supervisor Initiated Training (SIT) series helps managers talk with their staff about preventing common sources of injuries.

• Behavior interventions
• Equipment use safety for custodians
• Buildings & Grounds combo pack

See all school-related SITs

5-Minute Solutions

Check out SFM’s 5-Minute Solutions for brief training talks on safety-related topics.

• Alternative intervention and de-escalation tactics
• Facilitate, don’t participate
• Heat stress

See all school-related 5-Minute Solutions

The end of any winter often brings a welcome reintroduction to the great outdoors.

You may not need to worry about hypothermia and other dangers of the cold, but warm weather is not without its own risks, especially for people who work outdoors. Depending on what kind of outdoor exposure you’re getting, there are a few warm-weather hazards to monitor.

Share the following tips with your employees to help them stay safe during warmer months.

Outdoor slips and falls

Icy sidewalks aren’t the only cause of falls when you’re outdoors — potential tripping and slipping hazards can happen all year long.

Pay attention to the conditions of the surfaces you’re walking on. Parking lots, sidewalks, ramps and stairs can all have cracks, holes or uneven surfaces that could cause you to trip. Use handrails on stairs or ramps, and try to keep your hands free of encumbrances. Do not carry more than you can handle or items that block your vision.

Don’t take shortcuts through lawns or center islands. Uneven ground and concealed or hard-to-see holes can result in twisted ankles or worse.

Also, summer months might have employees wearing different footwear than at other times of the year. Flip-flops, sandals, loose-fitting shoes, high heels, cowboy boots, etc., all increase the risk of slip and fall injuries or feet and ankle injuries. Employers need to mandate proper footwear and enforce it with workers.

Also, report any unsafe outdoor conditions to the appropriate person.

Heat stress

When you’re working in the heat, it’s important to make sure you stay hydrated. If you aren’t taking in enough fluids or salts, it can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

To prevent heat-related stress, give yourself time to adjust to hot weather by limiting your exposure at first, and gradually increasing the amount of time until your body has acclimated to the heat. Try to schedule work during the coolest parts of the day.

Drink plenty of liquids to replace what your body loses through sweating. You should be drinking approximately one cup of water every 15 minutes. Sports drinks with electrolytes are useful for replacing necessary salts, as well.

Don’t ignore symptoms of heat stress. Stop your work to cool off in a shaded or air-conditioned area if you experience dizziness, nausea or muscle cramping.

These tips are especially important for workers in certain industries. In early 2024, the American Society of Safety Professionals published the first national voluntary consensus standard addressing heat stress for workers in construction and demolition operations.

At a high level, the document:

• Provides guidance on protecting workers
• Outlines how to acclimate workers to high heat conditions
• Gives tips for training employees and supervisors

The standard also contains checklists and flowcharts designed to help employers develop heat stress management programs.

Lightning safety

If you work outdoors, it’s important to pay attention to weather patterns. Thunderstorms are common across the country, and lighting safety is vital for employees who work outdoors.

From 2006 through 2021, there were 444 lightning strike fatalities in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of those deaths occurred in June, July or August.

Stay up to date on weather forecasts and watch out for early warning signs. If a storm is predicted, don’t start working on projects you won’t be able to stop quickly.

Clouds that grow vertically into towering cumulus clouds are often the first sign of a developing storm. Other indicators include high winds, dark clouds, rain and distant thunder.

When you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If the time is 30 seconds or less, then the storm is close enough to be dangerous. Leave any open-air structures or areas with tall trees and seek shelter inside an enclosed building. Metal-topped vehicles are also safe.

If you are outdoors, stay off and away from tall structures or large equipment. Do not touch anything that can conduct electricity. Wait at least 30 minutes following the last clap of thunder before resuming your work.

Insect-borne diseases

Summer is peak season for ticks and insect bites. If you work outdoors, be aware of the conditions that put you most at risk. Insects are most active at dawn, dusk and early evening in tall grass, shrubs and wooded areas.

You can avoid insect bites by wearing long pants, sleeves, closed-toe shoes and a hat. Use insect repellents on clothes and exposed skin.

After being outdoors, you should perform body checks for ticks. If one is found, remove it immediately with fine-tipped tweezers by pulling it straight out. Then cleanse the area with antiseptic.

At the same time, illnesses such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus can be passed on by deer ticks and mosquitos. An estimated 476,000 people are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . And in 2023, more than 2,400 cases of West Nile virus were detected across 47 jurisdictions.

If you suspect you or one of your employees may have contracted an illness, seek medical attention right away.

Conclusion

Spring and summer months come with their own unique safety risks.

Getting back outside after a long winter can feel like a relief, but don’t let that cause you to let your guard down while working outside.

Lastly, federal officials have created a heat safety tool app employers can use as an additional resource.

Originally published in May 2019; updated May 2024.

​Nearly 43,000 Americans died in car crashes in 2022, a number that has been on the rise in recent years.

It is a grim reminder that adopting safe driving practices can be lifesaving.

Safe driving habits

Defensive driving and other safe driving techniques are learned habits. Here are some tips to help equip employees and yourself with the knowledge you need to be safer on the roads.

Identify the following common hazards and actively avoid them:

• Changing road or traffic conditions. Adjust your driving to match the traffic around you, and the weather and road conditions.
• Impaired driving. Never drive with alcohol or drugs in your system and keep an eye out for other drivers that may be impaired.
• Distractions, such as food, maps, and cell phones. Avoid distractions that take your attention away from driving or your hands off the wheel. Pull over and stop if you need to text or make a call.
• Driving while sleepy or drowsy. Pull over and rest if you are tired.

Adopt the safe driving procedures:

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Drive at a speed safe for the weather conditions. Snow and rain may warrant slowing down below the posted limits.
• Maintain space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. A safe margin is 2-4 seconds when weather and traffic conditions are ideal, and longer if conditions are slippery or traffic is congested. Commercial vehicles should always maintain a 4-plus second space in front of their vehicle.
• Regularly glance two to three vehicles ahead of you, behind you and to your sides, and use your mirrors to check blind spots.
• Look left, right and left again before entering an intersection.
• Ensure the path is clear, even if you have the right of way at an intersection.
• Maintain an escape route in case of an unexpected event.

Company cellphone policy

Cellphone use is a major contributor to distracted driving and therefore driving-related injuries and deaths. The National Safety Council reports that nearly 12 percent of fatal crashes in in 2021 involved cellphone use.

Meanwhile, 34 states bar people from using hand-held cellphones while driving, and only one state does not prohibit people from texting and driving, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association .

Company policy should address cellphone use if you have employees whose job includes driving. Not only does it help keep employees safe, but it could help your organization’s bottom line. The National Safety Council reports that employers have been held liable for crashes caused by employee cell phone use, including the use of hands-free devices.

SFM provides a sample cellphone policy CompTalk in our Resource Catalog. This example policy prohibits any use of phones while driving for work, regardless of an employee’s use of hands-free devices. It requires employees pull over and stop before calling, answering, or texting using a cellphone.

Employee training

After establishing company-supported safe driving practices and a cell phone policy, be sure to train employees on them and follow up regularly to ensure employees are following the guidelines.

Lastly, SFM also offers training tools on defensive driving and cellphone use in our Resource Catalog.

By Mike Fetting, CIEE, Loss Prevention Specialist

While injuries often occur when lifting or moving is involved, implementing a program that focuses on proper ergonomics can greatly reduce incidents.

Challenges with larger muscle groups (primarily the back and shoulders) are often easier to identify and control than those associated with repetitive motion risk factors.

Injuries can be caused by moving something that is too heavy or repeatedly handling something that is slightly heavy but in an awkward position (overhead, near ground level, or while twisting).

Establish a program to prevent injuries

A safe lifting/back injury prevention program includes the following elements:

• A designated coordinator
• Workforce training
• Identification of high-risk tasks
• Implementation of controls
• Early intervention

Consider creating an ergonomics safety committee to maintain focus on ergonomic challenges and improvements, if you don’t have one already. SFM’s Safety Committee webpage is an excellent resource for creating a committee. This team is ideally comprised of members with basic ergonomic awareness training (possibly some with advanced training in ergonomic evaluations).

Together, the team can explore ergonomic interventions such as job rotation, stretching, and wellness activities. Ergonomic experts and guests can also be helpful when a professional evaluation is needed.

Use the following approaches to reduce the chance of injuries:

Engineering

Engineering is the most effective intervention. Manipulators and robots are more expensive solutions, but can quickly pay for themselves if even a few severe injuries are avoided. Additionally, there could be added productivity benefits. There are also other simpler, less-expensive controls that can be implemented:

• Raising items off the floor — Some items just need a stand to be stored on and accessed more easily
• Adding a hoist — There are devices to grab almost any shape (hooks, straps, clamps, magnets, or vacuum heads)

Job rotation

The tasks should alternate between light and heavy work.

Safe lifting training

Two key messages to remember are “keep your head up” (this forces you to use your knees and keep your back straight) and “shuffle your feet to turn – don’t twist.”

Stretching and flexing

While not considered as effective as engineering or job rotation, stretching and flexing can warm up the muscles and get them ready for work.

Intervene early and be proactive

Early intervention can keep nagging soreness from becoming a more serious injury. Encourage early reporting and respond positively. Reduce exposure time through task improvements or job rotation, and employ targeted stretching to aid in simple recovery.

Technology can also be used to create a solid ergonomic program. These are best used to improve ergonomics in areas with consistently poor lifting techniques and include:

• Exoskeletons — Frames that are worn by the employee to assist in lifting and/or control posture to avoid awkward positions.
• Wearable sensors — These work by sensing rather than controlling body position.
• Video analysis — These new systems only need a video taken with your phone and a few data entry points to create an ergonomic evaluation. Areas with the most issues can be targeted for improvement.

The best solutions preserve employee health, increase production, and can even enlarge your job candidate pool. In the long term, fewer injuries often mean savings in insurance too.

Additional resources:

• Prevent strains and sprains through proper ergonomics
• Avoid lifting injuries
• Stretching and movement – Get up and move at work
• Use SFM’s Lift Safety 5-Minute Solution for additional tips; our safety video lending library also has many back safety videos
• Visit our resource catalog for additional ergonomic resources you can order or download

​

Originally posted September 2023; updated May 2024.

We use ladders so often, sometimes we forget the risk we’re taking each time we climb one.

There are several ways in which small mistakes in usage can add up to major injury risks. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health lists a few:

1. Insufficient ladder inspection
   Ensure your equipment is in working order before any project (see more tips below).
2. Incorrect extension ladder setup angle
   In about 40 percent of cases, the primary cause of injuries is a ladder sliding out at the base due to an incorrect angle for setup.
3. Inappropriate ladder selection
   Notably, selecting a ladder made of nonconductive material can avoid electrocution and related falls.
4. Improper ladder use
   Overreaching? Carrying items while on a ladder? Applying excessive force? There are several ways a person can injure themselves while using a ladder.
5. Lack of access to ladder safety tools and information
   Small employers account for nearly 80 percent of all construction companies, and they may not have access to ladder-safety resources.

For perspective, about half a million people are treated for ladder-related injuries each year. This is why you should inspect ladders before every use.

Below, find more tips on what to look for when doing a ladder inspection.

When should you inspect ladders?

• Inspect new ladders promptly upon receipt
• Inspect ladders before each use
• Check the condition of ladders that have been dropped or have fallen before using them again

What should you look for when inspecting any ladder?

• Missing or loose steps or rungs (they are loose if you can move them by hand)
• Damaged or worn non-slip cleats
• Loose nails, screws, bolts or nuts
• Loose or faulty spreaders, locks and other metal parts in poor repair
• Rot, decay or warped rails in wooden ladders
• Cracks and exposed fiberglass in fiberglass ladders
• Cracked, split, worn or broken rails, braces, steps or rungs
• Sharp edges on rails and rungs
• Dents and dings in aluminum ladders
• Rough or splintered surfaces
• Corrosion, rust, oxidization and excessive wear, especially on treads
• Paint or other material that could obstruct your ability to see defects
• Oil, grease, mud or other debris on rungs or other parts of the ladder
• Twisted or distorted rails — check ladders for distortion by sighting along the rails
• Missing identification labels

Real-world example

A near-tragedy at a roofing company a few years ago underscores the importance of ladder inspections.

According to an account provided by the Wisconsin Occupational Safety & Health Administration:

Two roofing technicians were using ladders to get to a roof for inspection and repair.

The first technician set up a 30-foot extension ladder rated for a 300-pound load capacity. (The technician weighed 160 pounds.)

The ladder was less than 2 months old and had recently been inspected. But as the technician climbed the ladder, he felt it begin to give way.

Fortunately, he was able to hold onto the edge of the roof as the ladder collapsed under him. He stayed there until the second technician set up another ladder for him to climb down to safety.

The company immediately inspected all of its fiberglass extension ladders and found that about 20 percent of them had small cracks in the fiberglass on the side rails — some right next to the rungs.

What other things should you look for when inspecting stepladders?

• Wobble
• Loose or bent hinges and hinge spreaders
• Broken stop on a hinge spreader

What should you look for when inspecting extension ladders?

• Loose, broken or missing extension locks
• Defective locks that do not seat properly when ladder is extended
• Sufficient lubrication of working parts
• Defective cords, ropes or chains
• Missing or defective foot pads or sleeves

What should you do after inspecting any ladder?

• Clean the ladder if needed and again thereafter as needed
• Replace worn or frayed ropes on extension ladders
• Lubricate pulleys on extension ladders regularly
• Tag any defective ladders and take them out of service

What are some things you should not do after inspecting ladders?

• Do not make temporary or makeshift repairs
• Do not try to straighten or use bent or bowed ladders

A fall from a ladder can be devastating, so please take the extra time to make sure your ladder is in good shape before you use it.

Lastly, check out our additional resources on ladder safety.

Originally posted May 2017; updated April 2024.

By Dana Mickelson, CSP, ARM

While some slips and falls result in only minor injuries, they can be much more serious, causing fractures, sprains, strains, abrasions and even death. They have the potential to be disabling, with claim costs in the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), work-related fatalities due to falls slips, and trips have increased in recent years:

• 805 fatalities in 2020
• 850 fatalities in 2021
• 865 fatalities in 2022

These are all reasons to take slip-and-fall prevention seriously at your workplace, starting with the floors.

Choose slip-resistant flooring

When you’re choosing flooring, don’t choose just based on cost and aesthetics. Consider the floor’s slip resistance and the space and environment in which it will be used, too. There are several floor materials available on the market — quarry, ceramic, porcelain, vinyl composition tile, terrazzo, rubber tiles, concrete, marble, granite, etc.

Most types of flooring have good slip resistance when dry, but when wet, they have fair to poor slip resistance unless they are treated or textured. Most flooring materials become extremely slippery once water plus a contaminant, like grease, is present.

Use slip-resistant treatments for existing flooring

If you’re not in a position to replace your flooring with a more slip-resistant material, you can treat your floors to decrease the risk of slips and falls. The caveat with all of these options is that they typically lose their effectiveness over time and must be reapplied.

Options to treat flooring include:

• Abrasive floor coatings: These coatings include gritty substances such as aluminum oxide or walnut shells to improve traction of otherwise smooth flooring
• Chemical etching: This is an acid wash that’s typically applied to natural stone floors, concrete and porcelain that makes the floor surface rougher
• Carpeting: Covering your floor with carpet is another option to prevent slips and falls

Clean floors properly

When cleaning your floors, even small details like the temperature of water used for mopping can significantly affect their slip resistance (or lack thereof).

That’s why it’s important to have a floor-cleaning protocol that includes:

• Identifying the appropriate cleaning tools (deck brushes, squeegees, etc.) and solvent (for example, some solvents remove rust and scale, others consume oil)
• Determining how often the floors must be cleaned
• Thoroughly training all employees who clean floors

When training, be sure to include the proper water temperature and whether the floors must be rinsed after cleaning with the solvent. For example, an alkaline solvent used in a greasy kitchen could actually make the floor more slippery if not rinsed off after cleaning, so proper training is really important.

Maintain good housekeeping

Excellent housekeeping results in clean and clutter-free floors, preventing slips, trips and falls.

Here are three simple tips to improve housekeeping:

• Clean up spills promptly and use wet floor signs
• Keep cords out of the way of walkways or work areas as much as possible. You can tie cords together, use cord covers, or hang cords from the ceiling
• Designate walking aisles in warehouses, manufacturing environments, etc.

Also, develop a housekeeping program. For example, dedicate the last five minutes of each shift as clean-up time.

Don’t wax and strip — scrub!

SFM has seen extremely serious injuries result from employees falling while waxing and stripping the floors.

To prevent these types of injuries, consider investing in a floor scrubber. Floor scrubbers are great because most only require water, and they negate the need to wax and strip the floors. Not only will a scrubber help keep your employees safe, it might pay for itself over time.

If employees must strip and wax the floors, ensure they wear stripping overshoes to increase traction and reduce their risk of slipping.

Maximize the benefit of floor mats

Floor mats at entrances allow people to walk off the rain, snow and other contaminants they’ve gathered on their shoes to help keep the rest of the floor dry.

Here are a few tips for using floor mats to maximize effectiveness and prevent them from becoming a source of trips and falls:

Provide mats that are long enough for people to adequately wipe contaminants off their shoes. Mats should be the longest in snowy weather (about 10-12 walking steps) and can be the shortest (6-8 steps) in dry weather.

• Select mats with beveled edges and non-slip backing
• Do not overlap mats
• Don’t leave gaps between mats
• Avoid rolled up edges
• Inspect mats for wear and replace them when needed

Slips and falls can cause anything from simple embarrassment to serious head injuries, and they can happen to anyone. Doing what you can to make your floors more slip resistant is one way you can prevent slips and falls. Requiring your employees to wear slip-resistant shoes can also help.

For more resources to prevent slips and falls, visit our safety page.

Originally published June 2017; updated March 2024.

Climate control. Soft chairs and armrests. Standing desks and safety features… Office environments don’t conjure up thoughts of workplace hazards like, say, construction sites.

It’s true, office workers are at a lower risk for workplace injuries than many other types of jobs. However, it’s still important to talk about safety with office employees.

Below are seven safety tips for office workers to prevent workplace injuries.

1. Make sure your desk setup is ergonomic

To maintain a neutral posture, your head should be centered over your neck and shoulders, wrists flat and elbows resting comfortably at your side. If your feet won’t touch the ground unless you lean forward, use a footrest.

See our post on workplace ergonomics and neutral posture for more information on setting up an ergonomic workstation.

2. Take regular breaks to get up and move around

Sitting all day puts office workers at risk for numerous health problems. For examples of moving and stretching actions you can do in the office, check out our Get Up and Move illustrations, and you can find more resources on our Stretching and movement page.

3. When it’s slippery due to ice and snow, walk like a penguin when entering and leaving your office

Winter slips and falls in parking lots are extremely common (and costly). To avoid them, walk like a penguin — flatfooted and taking short, slow steps.

It’s also important to wear sensible footwear and carry only what you can handle. For more information and downloadable resources, visit our winter slip-and-fall prevention page.

4. Use a headset for prolonged or frequent phone use

Cradling the phone between your shoulder and ear can cause neck and back pain.

5. Keep your workplace tidy

Clean up spills immediately, keep aisles free of clutter, and tie up or secure cords so they don’t pose a trip hazard.

6. Don’t let electrical cords create a fire risk

Avoid running electrical cords under carpet or through windows and doorways. Also, don’t fasten them through non-standard means, such as staples.

7. Know your office emergency procedures

Make sure you know what to do in the event of a fire, storm, violent intruder, medical problem or other emergency.

Related office safety resources from SFM:

• Winter slip and fall prevention resources
• Indoor slip-and-fall prevention resources
• Office safety (1) 5-Minute Solution
• Office safety (2) 5-minute solutions
• Office ergonomics 5-minute solutions
• See all office worker safety resources from SFM

Originally published May 2017; updated February 2024.

Even with the end of winter on the horizon, you still need to be wary of the dangers of slipping on the snow and ice.

And this is especially true at the tail end of winter. Warmer weather may lull you into a false sense of security, but thawing and refreezing can make roads and walkways even more treacherous.

Each year, hundreds of employees insured by SFM report falling because of snow and ice — it’s one of the most common causes of injuries.

In fact, about 674,000 cases of falls, slips and trips were reported by private employers 2021-22, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with many of those incidents requiring employees to miss work because of the incident.

According to SFM claims data, 25 percent of ice- and snow-related falls occur in parking lots and 20 percent of slips and falls that occur in parking lots result in lost time from work.

Meanwhile, SFM estimates the average winter slip-and-fall lost-time claim costs range from $40,000 to $45,000. The costs — direct and indirect — mount quickly and can’t be ignored.

“Slips and falls during winter can be a major issue for worker safety,” said Director of Loss Prevention Lee Wendel. “But both workers and employers can take steps to mitigate the dangers and stay safe all winter long.”

Staying safe from slips and falls

Employee injuries sustained in falls are costly. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says workers’ compensation and medical costs associated with workplace fall incidents have been estimated at $70 billion annually in the U.S.

Despite the perils of getting around during winter, there are many preventive measures employers can implement to decrease the chance of on-the-job injuries.

• Make sure gutters and downspouts flow away from walkways to avoid the dangerous freeze-thaw-refreeze cycle
• Redirect any water flowing on walkways to avoid puddles
• Treat walkways at high-hazard times and warn employees about potential hazards
• Manage snow piles near walkways to avoid melting snow refreezing to ice
• Plow snow below the grade of walkways to minimize downward flow
• Repair walkways to eliminate uneven surfaces that collect water and ice
• Designate safe paths of travel to and from building to discourage potentially dangerous shortcuts

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that trips, slips and falls are the second-most common cause of workplace injury. Also, 20-30 percent of workplace falls result in a moderate or severe injury, including deep bruising, broken bones and concussions.

These incidents can be even more serious. According to the most recent data from the BLS, work-related fatalities due to falls, slips, and trips have increased in recent years:

• 805 fatalities in 2020
• 850 fatalities in 2021
• 865 fatalities in 2022

About 20 percent of all workplace deaths are attributed to slips, trips and falls, per OSHA.

Employers must ensure walking surfaces at the workplace are free of snow and ice, according to OSHA safety standards.

Remind employees about winter hazards using SFM resources

With a few simple precautions, falls on snow and ice resulting in costly injuries can be easily avoided. Employee awareness is key.

“It’s important to keep reminding employees of the risks of winter slips and falls, and how to avoid them, throughout the season,” Wendel said. “We’ve tried to make that easy for employers by offering a variety of different resources.”

Consider some tips from SFM:

• Do the penguin shuffle: Focus on your footing, walk flat-footed, take short steps to keep your center of balance over your feet
• Take it slow: Walk slow on snow and ice to avoid a slip
• Wear proper footwear for the weather: Choose footwear with non-slip soles, deep treads and wide, low heels; add cleats or traction footwear for extra grip
• Carry only what you can: Carrying less or using a bag or backpack decreases your chance of falling — and keeps your hands free if you do
• Watch for changing conditions: Monitor the weather; cycles of freezing, melting and re-freezing are especially dangerous
• Don’t be distracted: Put your cellphone away while walking and focus on where you’re going
• Step down, not out, from curbs and cars: Falls in parking lots are common — step flat-footed off curbs, step down with both feet when exiting your vehicle
• Walk on marked paths and avoid short cuts: Short cuts are likely to be icy and put you in danger of slipping
• Report icy conditions: Tell a supervisor or maintenance person if you spot slippery areas so they can shovel or salt problem areas
• Spread salt on ice: If you spot a slippery area and salt is available, spread it yourself

These tips and being aware of winter conditions can go a long way toward ensuring a winter spent upright and safe.

“Winter in the Upper Midwest often extends into early spring,” Wendel said. “By taking the necessary precautions and staying vigilant, workers can remain safe.”

Originally posted January 2018; updated March 2024.