Incident – Fall in Stairwell

Date of Incident: [Insert Date]

Location: [Insert Location]

Description of Incident:

During our recent WHS Committee meeting, we discussed an incident involving a fall in a stairwell. The incident occurred at [Insert Location] on [Insert Date]. The details of the incident are as follows:

A person (name: [Insert Name]) was using the stairwell when they slipped and fell.

The cause of the fall is believed to be a slippery surface due to recent cleaning and the absence of any warning signs.

The individual sustained minor injuries, including bruises and a twisted ankle.

Immediate first aid was administered, and the person was taken to [Insert Medical Facility] for further evaluation.

Possible Solutions

Installation of Slippery Surface Warning Signs: To prevent future accidents, it is recommended that warning signs indicating slippery surfaces be installed in the stairwell. These signs should be placed at the entrance to the stairwell and at the top and bottom of each flight of stairs. They should be clearly visible and bilingual to ensure all staff members and visitors understand the warning.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection: Implement a routine maintenance and inspection schedule for all stairwells. This includes checking for any hazards such as loose handrails, damaged steps, or wet floors. Stairwells should be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure safety.

Staff Training: Conduct training sessions for all staff members to educate them about stairwell safety. This training should include information on how to identify potential hazards, what to do in case of an accident, and the importance of reporting any unsafe conditions.

Incident Reporting Procedure: Ensure that there is a clear and accessible procedure for reporting incidents and hazards. Staff members should know how to report any issues they encounter in the stairwells so that corrective actions can be taken promptly.

Review of Cleaning Procedures: Review and update the cleaning procedures for stairwells to ensure that they do not create slippery surfaces. Consider using anti-slip products or methods during cleaning to minimize the risk of accidents.

Emergency Response: Review and update the emergency response plan to include specific procedures for responding to accidents in stairwells. This should include providing immediate first aid, contacting medical personnel, and notifying the WHS Committee.

Responsibilities and Timeline

The Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing the installation of warning signs (Recommendation 1) within one week.

The WHS Committee will schedule regular maintenance and inspections (Recommendation 2) to be conducted monthly.

HR will be responsible for organizing and conducting stairwell safety training (Recommendation 3) for all staff within the next three months.

The WHS Committee will develop and communicate the incident reporting procedure (Recommendation 4) within two weeks.

The Cleaning Department will review and update cleaning procedures (Recommendation 5) within one month.

The Emergency Response Team will update the emergency response plan (Recommendation 6) within two weeks.

These actions will help prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of all staff members and visitors using the stairwells within our premises.