It remains unsafe in the workplace

44% of the employees on the work floor in a factory, workshop or outside location indicate that they have experienced a stumble and/or fall. 24% sometimes made a mistake. Recent research by Manutan shows that tripping or slipping is at the top of the top 5 most common workplace accidents. "It indicates that walking on the work floor is still not without risk," says Jan Piet van Dijk, Director Operations Benelux, and Safety Coordinator at Manutan. "On the one hand more attention should be paid to a clean, well-arranged workplace, on the other hand, the correct application of personal protective equipment, from safety clothing to fall and hearing protection, is very important."

A fall can have major consequences

"It seems so innocuous," says Jan Piet, "you stumble, get up and go on. Yet it does not always stop there. Sometimes injuries to muscles or tendons, or even a bone fracture. And worse, someone lands on his or her head wrong while no safety helmet was worn. Absence from a few days to even a few weeks can result. Very annoying for the victim and the employer. Manutan has been active in the field of safety for years and supplies more than 12,500 products that promote safety in the factory, workshop, outside location and office. The research also shows that safety equipment is not always present in 35% of the cases. "That is a high percentage," says Jan Piet, "apparently safety is not taken equally seriously everywhere. In addition, it is, of course, important that the protective equipment chosen fits the requirements of the working environment. "

Choose the right protective equipment

"Take safety shoes," Jan Piet continues. “We have almost 200 different varieties in our range. Do you work in a wet environment, are there sharp objects on the construction site, do you work with chemical products or electricity, can something fall on your shoes, can you get caught with your foot? All things that are important to take with you when purchasing the shoes. In addition, natural dimensions and comfort are important. Experience shows that employees wear their shoes sooner if they sit comfortably. And so it goes for almost all personal protective equipment: choose the right safety class for the right working environment and ensure a good fit that the employee feels comfortable in and can move around in. "

Top 5 of the most common accidents that cause physical injury in the workplace:

Tripping or slipping: 44%

Wrong lifting: 29%

Missteps: 24%

Struck by falling object: 15%

Fall of fewer than 2.5 meters height: 12%

Manutan works for you, also in the field of safety

Jan Piet: “We pay a lot of attention to safety and can provide good advice based on our knowledge and experience. You can also find a lot of information on our blog about what to look for when purchasing the right safety equipment, like reflective vests, reflective tapes. In addition, we are of course available by email or telephone for advice. Under the theme "Manutan works for you" we support you in the workplace and in the office to make you work even more safely. "