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Slips and trips are the single most common cause of injury in the UK workplace, according to data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), accounting for almost a third (30%) of all non-fatal injuries and account for over a third of liability claims received by Ecclesiastical.
With the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) having issued amber and yellow warnings for parts of the country, Ecclesiastical is urging churches to carry out the necessary checks and maintenance to ensure the church premises are safe for visitors, volunteers, and staff.
Historic properties like churches can present unique challenges in comparison to modern buildings when preventing slips and trips due to design constraints and the aesthetic of the building. For example, solutions like modern handrails, concrete repairs, and infills to worn stone steps can be impractical and out of character with the rest of the building.
Hazards also exist outside the church building, as church yards, burial grounds, and car parks can become hazardous – especially for the frail, elderly, and disabled who may have difficulty moving around the church premises.
Ecclesiastical’s risk management teams have developed practical advice to help prevent slips and trips that is both cost-effective and sympathetic to the historical values of church buildings.
Some of the suggested measures include:
- Gritting footpaths and walkways where snow or ice is forecast
- Regularly maintaining and repairing floor surfaces, steps, and footpaths
- Replacing any worn, damaged, or loose floor coverings, such as carpets or rugs
- Highlighting areas where there may be uneven surfaces
- Regular checks of access routes to ensure they remain safe to use
- Making sure there is adequate lighting
- Practicing good housekeeping to keep floors clean and dry
Ecclesiastical is encouraging those with responsibility for church properties to use the guidance to consider how best to protect themselves and the people who work or volunteer at and visit their church.
“Slips and trips can happen at any time of the year, but there is additional risk when cold weather comes in. Snow and ice can make otherwise well-maintained surfaces a risk to churchgoers, increasing the likelihood of injury.
“While most slips and trips can be minor, others can be far more severe and, in some cases, disabling, which is why it’s important for preventative steps to be taken to make the area safe and help avoid any accidents.
“Our risk management guidance has been developed to help churches take the necessary steps to protect themselves and visitors from any potential accidents. Customers can contact Ecclesiastical’s Risk Advice Line on 0345 600 7531 or e-mail risk.advice@ecclesiastical.com for more guidance.”