In the worker's perspective, WorkCover Queensland provides guidance on assessing and managing risks associated with contamination, offering insights on selecting the most effective controls to prevent contamination, halt its spread, and manage spills.
Assessing the risk involves understanding how various contaminants impact surfaces. Clean, dry floors seldom pose slipping hazards. However, when contaminants like water, oil, litter, dust, metal shavings, plastic bags, or other substances are present on the floor, the risk of slips significantly increases. Studies have shown that walking on a contaminated floor can elevate the risk of slips by almost 14 times. Contaminants may originate from work processes, cleaning procedures, or be tracked in by individuals from external areas, such as rainwater at building entrances. Assessing the workplace for potential slips and falls due to contaminants is crucial.
Identifying high-risk areas prone to contamination is essential. These areas include building entrances, food service/eating areas, bathroom/shower areas, drinking fountains, handwashing areas, zones with dust and dry waste, manufacturing and construction areas dealing with powders or granules, cold rooms with ice or water, equipment requiring oil or grease, and outdoor areas with wet vegetation.
To control and manage contamination effectively, a three-step approach is recommended:
Stop contamination from reaching the floor: Address leaks, provide bins for litter, channel overflow into drains, install splashguards, fit lids on containers, and close doors leading from areas with dust.
Prevent spreading: Contain spills using methods such as drip trays under plants/machines/water coolers, absorb liquids with matting at building entrances, and implement good drainage systems.
Remove contamination quickly: If contaminants reach the floor, clean them up promptly. Employ spot cleaning for spills, use dry-mopping for large wet areas, and vacuum or brush up dry materials. Implement responsive cleaning systems.
Effective control measures often involve a combination of the strategies mentioned above.