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Facebook Friday | 05.21.21

7 Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace

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We've all been told at one point or another, "Your health is everything." But if we're honest, most of us shrug it off as an overzealous warning to stay in shape. The fact of the matter is, your health truly is everything. That's why ProVantage Corporate Solutions places a premium on safety in the workplace; to preserve our employees' well-being. To do so, we have to account for every possible risk factor, starting with slips, trips, and falls.

Believe it or not, slips, trips, and falls account for 15% of accidental deaths, the second leading cause behind motor vehicles. It's a bleak statistic, but the U.S. Department of Labor collects and shares this data for a reason; to emphasize the legitimate danger of slips, trips, and falls. Of course, not every stumble or misstep is fatal, but it can still have long-term effects on your welfare. Whether it's loss of wages, out-of-pocket expenses, chronic pain, temporary or permanent disability, or a reduced quality of life, it's safe to say that these are consequences worth avoiding. Not to mention the laundry list of possible injuries, including sprains, strains, contusions, fractures, abrasions, and lacerations.

So how can you prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace? Well, there's no one answer. In fact, there are countless tips and tricks to consider when navigating your work site. But to keeps things simple, we narrowed it down to 7 ways to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.

1. Clean up spills immediately.

It may sound obvious, but spills are among the most common causes of slips in the workplace. That's why it's imperative to clean every spill the moment you recognize it. This way, you can prevent yourself and your coworkers from sustaining an injury on the job.

2. Mark wet areas.

Along the lines of spills, wet areas are another common cause of slips. If a surface is wet for any reason, say you just mopped up a spill, please mark that area right away. This way, everyone in the vicinity knows they need to watch their step.

3. Keep your workspace clutter-free.

Whether it's empty boxes, pallets, or tools, clutter in the workspace can be a recipe for disaster. That's why you should constantly be organizing and clearing debris from the area. In doing so, you can ensure that every walkway is clutter-free and safe to pass through.

4. Be aware of your surroundings.

Awareness is key to avoiding slips, trips, and falls in the workplace. Know what activities are going on and recognize potentially hazardous areas. It's easier to prevent an accident when you're aware of uneven surfaces, curbs, ramps, and walkways with cables or other obstacles.

5. Keep your workspace well lit.

Poor lighting in the workplace is asking for an accident; if you can't see where you're going, how can you avoid potential hazards? That's why you should always make sure every area of the worksite is well lit, and if a bulb needs changing, take care of it ASAP. Also, if you're entering a room with poor lighting, make sure to bring a flashlight as an extra precaution.

6. Prepare for the weather.

Weather is always a cause for concern, especially when it's raining. As it relates to the workplace, rain can lead to wet shoes and wet surfaces, resulting in a slip. To prevent this from happening, you should check the weather report ahead of time and anticipate risks caused by rainfall.

7. Wear proper footwear.

Speaking of rain and wet surfaces, you should always come to work equipped with proper footwear. Not only should your shoes have enough grip to withstand damp or oily floors, but they should also fit you well. Shoes that are too large can often cause trips or falls. If you're not sure what constitutes a safe pair of shoes for the workplace, you can find more information here.

Some of these tips seem obvious, but there's a reason why workers continue to suffer from slips, trips, and falls. They forget the fundamental risk factors! That's why ProVantage's Safety Awareness topic this month is slips, trips, and falls; to help prevent these types of accidents. If you're an employee who's interested in learning more, take the Safety Awareness Quiz to test your knowledge!

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This month's Leadership Live was another success, with over 60 participants in attendance yesterday!

Dr. Laura Lunsford joined us to discuss wellness and even gave us some pointers on nutrition, exercise, and mental health.

Didn't make it? Watch the recording at the link below.

As a reminder, if you did not attend the live webinar, please watch the video and answer the three questions at the end. 

After you complete the questions, email your answers to marketing@provantage-corp.com to receive credit.

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Hey, field employees...the Safety Awareness Quiz is up and running for the month of May!

This time around, the safety topic is Back Safety and Slips, Trips & Falls.

And don't forget: Participants who submit correct answers will be entered into a quarterly raffle to win company SWAG! 

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If you know someone who would be a great fit for ProVantage, have them apply today. We believe that the people in the best position to recommend a new employee are those already a part of our team!

Here's everything you need to know:
 

Referral Bonus Payout:

$50 for EACH Field Representative You Refer

$100 for EACH Skilled Applicant You Refer (LIT, ASST Lead, Carpenter Assistant)

$150 for EACH Management Level Employee You Refer (Lead, Carpenter, Manager)

Qualifications:

Average grades of 3.0 or higher are required and the reward is granted after the new employee works 200 hours.

Don't Forget to Bring Your Own Tools!

Tools are an essential aspect of your job at ProVantage, so don't forget to come prepared! Please show up to work every day with all of the following equipment (listed below & pictured above), and remember: it's your responsibility to buy tools.

What to bring: Tape Measure, Box Cutter, Rubber Mallet, Screwdrivers, Basic Socket Set, Standard & Angle Cut Pliers, Cordless Power Drill, Nut Driver Set, Level.

*If you need to borrow a tool from a coworker, please ask beforehand and remember to return it*

Don't know where to buy tools at an affordable price? Let us know! Email marketing@provantage-corp.com, and we'll point you toward vendors with affordable equipment.

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Check out this terrific deal on lodging from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts!

Attached you'll find a flyer offering a 10% discount for ProVantage employees. To receive the discount, visit WyndhamHotels.com and use the Corporate Code 1000054787 or call (877) 999-3223 and ask for the discount associated with ProVantage Corporate Solutions.

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Here's an exciting new offer from Red Roof Inn!

Attached you will find an updated flyer showing the 20% discount Red Roof is now offering our employees for both personal and business travel. Feel free to reach out to Denice Fleshman to secure even lower rates. Her contact information is listed below.

Also, Red Roof is raffling off a $50 AMAZON gift card to TWO lucky ProVantage Merchandisers that stay at any Red Roof location (Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, The Red Collection, or HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof) between 4/1/21 and 6/30/21.

Once ProVantage Merchandisers collectively use 300 rooms at Red Roof during the dates listed above, Red Roof will award a THIRD $50 AMAZON gift card.

Let’s continue to be financially savvy when booking hotel stays during your assignments!

Denice Fleshman:

(540) 522-4317

dfleshman@redroof.com

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Didn't read April's edition of the Insider? No worries! Click the button below for all your ProV news.

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