A worker hurrying to the next job misjudges the step height on an open metal staircase. Another slips in oil spilled on a walkway. A driver climbing out of a mining vehicle misses a ladder foothold. According to SafeWork Australia statistics, there were over 30,000 serious slip and trip claims across all industries in 2020-21, ‘serious’ meaning leading to incapacity for at least a week and subject to monetary compensation.
In addition to the direct cost of claims, workplace accidents can result in increased insurance premiums, the need to hire temporary replacement staff and delays in production. They can impact a company’s reputation along with revenue.
Common risks in industrial workplaces
These types of accidents often occur due to slippery workplace surfaces – such as stairs, ramps, walkways and ladders – as a result of rain or spillages of oil, grease or other contaminants.
While not all slips, trips and falls lead to serious consequences, enough of them do to warrant solid risk control!
Risk control in this context involves identifying hazards that could lead to injuries, and taking steps to either eliminate them, or if that’s not possible, manage them.
Installing non-slip coverings over slippery surfaces is a key risk reduction solution.
It’s important that the anti-slip surface is of sufficient quality and durability to work as intended and last for many years. Installing a cheaply made product will likely end up costing more over time, due to faster failure and the need for replacement.
How Vigil Antislip products help reduce the risks
Australian-made Vigil Antislip Class One products exceed industry standards for slip resistance and are made from high quality materials designed to withstand harsh industrial environments. This is why the products come with a 10-year replacement warranty.
The warranty covers products for wear and tear under normal conditions, degradation from surface exposure to solvents and layer-separation from changes in temperature. The Warranty Number is stamped on the underside of every product, making them easily traceable if problems do occur.
Made using Australian steel foundations with graded aggregates for long-term durability, Vigil Antislip stair nosings, ladder-rung covers and metal deck panels offer high visibility, fire resistance and UV resistance.
The Vigil Antislip range comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and can also be customised for specific applications.
What industries do Vigil Antislip products suit?
Vigil Antislip products are utilised in a wide range of industries. This includes mining, transport and logistics, construction, oil & gas, manufacturing, marine, defence, infrastructure, food processing, automotive – in fact any business where slippery walk surfaces, stairs or ladders present a potential risk.
As the old saying goes – prevention is better than cure! It’s always better to practice good risk management to help prevent slip and fall injuries happening in the first place.
Doing so might cost some money upfront but can reduce expenditure over the long-term and contribute to creating a safer workplace.
Shop the Vigil Antislip range at Blackwoods online.
