Prevention of falls

Slips, trips and falls are estimated to cost businesses millions every year. They are rarely fatal, often cause a lot of pain, discomfort and time off work. 

A slip, trip, or fall can occur at any time and often when you are least expecting it. You could be walking from your vehicle or assisting someone to or from their house. It is important that you keep safe so that you can both help your passengers and keep you working. 

You will be collecting passengers and taking them to many different locations and in many cases, you will be in a location for the first time.

To keep safe, carry out a mini risk assessment and look for any potential hazards. When you are collecting a passenger, think about what possible risks there are between them and your vehicle. This will prepare you on your way back to keep both your customer and yourself safe. 

Some examples of slip, trip and fall hazards include wet surfaces.  It is often very difficult to see a wet floor and slippery surfaces are a danger to everyone and a real risk for someone who has walking difficulties and who uses a walking aid such as a crutch, frame or a cane.

A surface may be covered in snow or leaves. In these cases, you will need to take extra care of yourself and your passenger. Slipping on an icy surface is very common and in many cases, it is not easy to see.  Even if you do not see any ice but it is very cold, take extra care. Curbs and steps are an obvious hazard and uneven surfaces and broken curb stones can also be a risk. Even the floor mats can prove to be a hazard, especially if they have become lifted in one corner. 

Other trip hazards include boxes, discarded items, and plants and pots in the corner of buildings that may not be clearly visible when you approach. 

In summary, it is vitally important that you keep your eyes open and you are constantly aware of any slips, trips, or falls that may be hazardous to you or your passengers over any part of your journey.