Awareness on Slip, Trip, Fall Hazards

www.safetygoodwe.com

Safety Talk

Awareness on Slip, Trip, Fall Hazards

Slips, trips and falls is the number 1 reason for an industrial injury. More workers are hurt due to slips, trip or falls than any other reason. Over the years we’ve had several incidents from tripping on strapping to slipping on oil. This week we’ll look specifically at Slips, Trips and Falls.

Thousands of disabling injuries and even deaths occur each year as a result of slips, trips, and falls:

• From heights, on stairs, and on level ground
• At work and at home

Slips, trips and falls are defined as falling on the same level due to these situations: Slip - loss of balance when there is too little friction between the foot and the floor (e.g. stepping on a wet or oily surface); Fall - downward movement, typically rapidly and freely, from a higher to a lower level.

Maintain Work Areas to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

This is probably the most important thing you can do to prevent this type of accident. Housekeeping is the key to preventing slips, trips and falls.

• Keep walkways, aisles, and stairs free of tools, materials, and other hazards.
• Clean up any leaks or spills on floors, stairs, entranceways, and loading docks promptly.
• Repair or report floor problems, such as broken planks, missing tiles, etc.
• Block off and mark floor areas that are being cleaned or repaired.
• Keep cords, power cables, and air hoses out of walkways.
• Place trash promptly in proper containers.
• Report missing or broken stair rails and slippery or damaged treads.
• Walk, don't run, on stairs. Hold onto stair rails while going up and down.
• Don't jump on or off platforms and loading docks and stay away from edges.
• Don't carry a load you can't see over, especially on stairs or around dock edges.
  

Pay Attention to Your Movements and Surroundings

• Focus on where you're going, what you're doing, and what lies ahead.
• Expect the unexpected.
• Take responsibility for fixing, removing, or avoiding hazards in your path.
• Avoid baggy or loose pants you could trip over.
• Wipe your feet when you come in from rain or snow.
• Report or replace any burned out lights or inadequate lighting.
• Watch out for floors that are uneven, have holes, etc.
• Keep your hands free, not in your pockets, for balance.
• Don't carry loads you can't see over.