--- title: How Safety Managers Can Reduce Workplace Falls Through Balance, Wellness, and Training description: "National Safety Month is an ideal time for safety managers to address one of the most common causes of workplace injuries: slips, trips, and falls." image: https://news.briotix.com/hubfs/Blog%20-%20How%20Safety%20Managers%20Can%20Reduce%20Workplace%20Falls%20Through%20Balance%2c%20Wellness%2c%20and%20Training.webp --- [![Briotix Health Company Logo A Registered Trademark](https://news.briotix.com/hubfs/BH%20logo.png) ](https://www.briotix.com/) - Solutions - [Industrial Sports Medicine™ ](https://www.briotix.com/industrial-sports-medicine) - [Ergonomics ](https://www.briotix.com/ergonomics) - [Return to Work ](https://www.briotix.com/return-to-work) - [Functional Employment Testing ](https://www.briotix.com/employment-testing) - [Clinical Solutions ](https://www.briotix.com/clinical-solutions) - [Technology Solutions ](https://www.briotix.com/technology-solutions) - Benefits - [Why Choose Briotix Health? ](https://www.briotix.com/benefits) - [Success Stories ](https://www.briotix.com/case-studies) - Company & Careers - [Our Story ](https://www.briotix.com/about-us) - [The Briotian Way ](https://www.briotix.com/values) - [Upcoming Events ](https://www.briotix.com/events) - [Press & Media ](https://www.briotix.com/press) - [Careers ](https://www.briotixcareers.com/) - Resources - [Industry News ](https://news.briotix.com) - [Podcasts ](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briotix-health) - [Papers and Research ](https://www.briotix.com/papers-research) - [Webinars ](https://www.briotix.com/webinars) Injury Prevention # How Safety Managers Can Reduce Workplace Falls Through Balance, Wellness, and Training National Safety Month is an ideal time for safety managers to address one of the most common causes of workplace injuries: slips, trips, and falls. [ Matthew P Fisenne ](https://news.briotix.com/author/matthew-fisenne) Jun 11, 2026 ---   According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, [falls, slips, and trips accounted for 26% of all non-fatal injuries resulting in days away from work in 2024](https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/top-work-related-injury-causes/). With an injury rate of 22.6 per 10,000 workers, that makes falls, slips, and trips the third most common workplace injury type, narrowly behind contact incidents and overexertion injuries. While warning signs and hazard controls are important components of a safety program, preventing falls with simple steps that address both workplace conditions and employee readiness are essential as well. Safety leaders can lead the charge in company culture, actively reducing risk before injuries occur. By incorporating elements like balance training, wellness initiatives, and employee education into existing safety programs, organizations can take meaningful steps toward preventing falls. #### **Key Takeaways for Safety Managers:** ![Workers stretching together during a pre-shift warm up](https://news.briotix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Workers%20stretching%20together%20during%20a%20pre-shift%20warm%20up.jpg?width=680&height=425&name=Workers%20stretching%20together%20during%20a%20pre-shift%20warm%20up.jpg) ## Injury Prevention Beyond Traditional Safety Training Many fall prevention efforts focus on environmental hazards such as housekeeping, footwear policies, or ladder safety. While these remain essential, safety managers should also consider factors that affect an employee's ability to maintain balance and move safely throughout the workday. ### **1. Balance as a Safety Skill** Balance is often overlooked as a workplace safety topic, yet employees rely on it constantly. Whether walking across a manufacturing floor, climbing stairs, stepping on and off equipment, or working at elevation, balance plays a critical role in preventing falls. Safety managers can incorporate balance-focused activities into existing wellness or injury prevention initiatives by: Even a few minutes of balance-focused movement before a shift can help reinforce safe movement habits. ### **2. Address Fatigue and Sleep Health** Fatigue is a significant but often underrecognized workplace risk factor. [The CDC recommends that adults receive at least seven hours of sleep per night](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html), and research consistently shows that injury rates increase among employees who regularly receive insufficient sleep. While safety managers cannot (and should not!) actively monitor employee sleep schedules, there are steps that can be taken to promote better sleep for employees. Employees should be aware of wellness programs that offer sleep aids or education. Additionally, ensuring that there is no excessive overtime and that schedules are consistent can help employees maintain a healthy balance in their rest. Employers can provide education and create workplace practices that reduce fatigue-related risks to address employee health. ### **3. Support Employee Wellness Programs** Physical conditioning, mobility, and flexibility all contribute to safer movement patterns. Employees who maintain better mobility and strength are often better equipped to recover from slips, trips, or unexpected changes in footing. Example programs may look like: The added benefits often extend beyond fall prevention, contributing to improved comfort, reduced discomfort complaints, and greater employee engagement. ## Five Exercises Safety Managers Can Incorporate into Safety Programs Many organizations utilize brief warm-up routines before shifts begin. These exercises can be incorporated into existing safety and wellness programs to help improve balance, coordination, and lower-body strength. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. ### **1. Weight Shifts** **Program Objective** Improve weight transfer and balance awareness. **Implementation** During pre-shift warmups: **Safety Benefit** Weight shifts help employees develop greater control when changing directions or recovering from a stumble. ### **2.  Single-Leg Balance** **Program Objective** Enhance balance and core stability. **Implementation** **Safety Benefit** This exercise develops stability that employees use throughout the workday when navigating uneven surfaces, stairs, or obstacles. ### **3. Squats** **Program Objective** Increase lower-body strength and stability. **Implementation** **Safety Benefit** Stronger legs and hips improve stability and may help employees better recover from trips or slips. ### **4. Heel-to-Toe Walking** **Program Objective** Improve coordination and dynamic balance. **Implementation** **Safety Benefit** This movement trains balance during walking, a critical workplace activity. ### **5. Back Leg Raises** **Program Objective** Strengthen the hips, legs, and lower back. **Implementation** **Safety Benefit** Improved lower-body strength contributes to better balance and body control.   ## The Business Case for Balance Training Balance training may appear simple, but its impact can be significant. Employees rely on balance throughout their workday when: The [Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were 479,000 days away from work (DAFW) cases from 2023-2024 attributed to slips, trips, or falls](https://www.bls.gov/iif/latest-numbers.htm). While not every fall can be prevented through exercise alone, improving employee readiness and movement quality can be an important component of a comprehensive prevention strategy. ![Worker wearing safety harness to protect against fall risk](https://news.briotix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Worker%20wearing%20safety%20harness%20to%20protect%20against%20fall%20risk.jpg?width=680&height=425&name=Worker%20wearing%20safety%20harness%20to%20protect%20against%20fall%20risk.jpg) ## Building a Comprehensive Fall Prevention Program Safety managers should view balance and wellness initiatives as one component of a broader fall prevention strategy. The most successful programs integrate multiple prevention strategies rather than relying on a single solution. By building a foundation of strong pillars, you are also creating multiple layers of safety nets to catch employees if they ever “trip up”. Examine the safety program you have in place and see if they are missing any of the following elements. A comprehensive safety program is essential for the long-term reduction of injuries and risk. An effective program may include: - Hazard Identification - Employee Education - Ergonomic Assessments - Stretching and Conditioning Programs - Safety Culture Development ![Tripping hazard sign](https://news.briotix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tripping%20hazard%20sign.jpg?width=680&height=425&name=Tripping%20hazard%20sign.jpg) ## Supporting Long-Term Musculoskeletal Health Fall prevention and musculoskeletal health are closely connected. Employees who possess adequate strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance are often better prepared to perform their job tasks safely. National Safety Month provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate current fall prevention efforts and identify opportunities for improvement. By combining traditional safety controls with balance training, fatigue management, and wellness initiatives, safety managers can build a more comprehensive strategy for reducing workplace falls and creating a safer work environment. [![FREE RESOURCE Workplace Safety Inspection Checklist Use this industrial workplace Safety Checklist as a quick tool to help you assess your work environment and identify areas for improvement](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2274248/interactive-191064475685.png) ](https://news.briotix.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJNbURVfUYsBAFDAJYk4Pn43w1tGdfDsOzxfvNeQ5ucfrMb2u5uUpbSW%2Fw29LOTC3Bita1WG8nCivMCFEmjuJFwlbPz0Hzaa3bfnxFaAPwL3AIHkNLk%2Br%2BxkmxVyuQ55sTmZIOXpmTxTgoxfQd4gbY2flu8O0h4xJy22q%2BpXtzJey2377wE6bjRNSv9t7l5p98%2FrQ2WljFqml9EL76Qp2NX6bGDdL288%2FKtGXsi6Bk%3D&webInteractiveContentId=191064475685&portalId=2274248)   --- ### **Frequently Asked Questions:** ### How can safety managers reduce workplace falls? Safety managers can reduce workplace falls by combining hazard identification, employee training, ergonomic assessments, fatigue management, and workplace conditioning programs that improve balance and mobility. ### Why should safety managers include balance training in safety programs? Balance is a critical component of safe movement. Improving balance can help employees navigate stairs, uneven surfaces, equipment access points, and other workplace challenges more safely. ### How does fatigue contribute to fall risk? Fatigue can reduce reaction time, coordination, awareness, and decision-making ability, increasing the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls. ### What exercises can be included in a workplace warm-up program? Weight shifts, single-leg balance exercises, squats, heel-to-toe walking, and back leg raises are simple movements that can support balance and stability. ### How do wellness programs support workplace safety? Wellness programs can improve strength, mobility, flexibility, and overall physical readiness, helping employees perform job tasks safely while supporting injury prevention efforts.   --- ### More Occupational Safety Information: [https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2016/article/injuries-from-falls-to-lower-levels-2013.htm](https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2016/article/injuries-from-falls-to-lower-levels-2013.htm) [https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls](https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls) [Injury Prevention](https://news.briotix.com/topic/injury-prevention) [Workplace Safety](https://news.briotix.com/topic/workplace-safety) ## Similar posts Injury Prevention ### [What Are the Most Common Types of Workplace Injuries?](https://news.briotix.com/most-common-workplace-injuries) Explore the 5 most common workplace injuries and discover effective ergonomic strategies to enhance safety and reduce risks in various work... 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