Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention

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Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention

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Session Objectives

• Recognize slips, trips, and falls as a serious safety problem

• Identify slip, trip, and fall hazards

• Avoid or eliminate slip, trip, and fall hazards

• Prevent falls from heights and on stairs

• Minimize injuries from falls

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Pre-quiz: What do you think?

Slip, trip, and fall accidents are uncommon in the workplace.

Some slip, trip, and fall accidents can cause serious injuries.

There’s little you can do on the job to prevent slips, trips, and falls except watch where you’re going.

You should look for slip, trip, and fall hazards around your home as well as at work.

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Definitions

Slip

When there is too little friction or traction between your feet

(footwear) and the walking or working surface, and you lose your balance..

Trip

When your foot (or lower leg) hits an object and your upper

body continues moving, throwing you off balance.

Fall

Occurs when you are too far off your center of balance.

Friction: The resistance

encountered when an object (foot) is moved in contact with another (ground). Friction is necessary in order to walk without slipping.

When you step down unexpectedly to a lower surface (Misstep) and lose your balance, e.g., stepping off a curb.

Can lead to:

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Fall-at-the-same-level

When you fall to the

surface you are walking or standing on, or fall into or against objects at or above the surface.

Fall-to-lower-level

When you fall to a level below the one on which you are

walking, working, or standing.

• Step or stairs

• Ladder

• Platform

• Loading dock For example:

Definitions: 2 types of falls

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Slips, Trips, and Falls are Costly

• Slips and trips can happen in any part of the workplace, inside or outdoors.

• Slips and trips often result in falls and more serious outcomes, including disabling injuries and even death. The costs to both worker and employer can be great:

• pain

• lost wages

• temporary or

permanent disability

• reduced quality of life

• depression

• loss in productivity and business

• increased industrial insurance premiums

• costs associated with training replacement worker

To Employer:

To Worker:

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Slip, Trip, and Fall Incidents Occur Frequently

• 15 percent of all accidental

deaths (≈12,000/year), second leading cause behind motor vehicles

• One of the most frequent types of reported injuries – about

25% of reported claims per fiscal year

• Over 17% of all disabling work injuries are the result of falls

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, slips, trips, and falls make up the majority of general industry accidents.

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Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls

• Sprains, strains

• Bruises, contusions

• Fractures

• Abrasions, cuts

Common types of injuries^:

 Knee, Ankle, Foot

 Wrist, Elbow

 Back

 Shoulder

 Hip

 Head

Commonly affected body parts:

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What contributes to the slip/ trip risk?

Slip/trip

potential

Floor material

& condition

Contamination

Footwear People

Environment

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 Inadequate housekeeping

 Poor visibility

 Inattention

 Running

 Spills

Common Slip, Trip, And Fall Hazards

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Common Slip, Trip, And Fall Hazards

 Clutter

 Open drawers

 Flooring

 Wet or slippery surfaces

 Handrails

 Ladders

 Shoes

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Human Factors Increasing the Risk of Slips &Trips

 Eyesight, visual perception

 Age

 Physical state, fatigue

 Stress, illness

 Medications, alcohol, drugs

Health and physical condition can impair a person’s vision, judgment, and balance.

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Eliminate Trip And Fall Hazards

 Practice good housekeeping

 Step over obstructions

 Walk slowly

 Watch for changes in flooring

 Be sure lighting is adequate

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Eliminate Trip And Fall Hazards

DON’T!

 Leave materials on floor

 Block walkways

 Place anything on stairs

 Leave drawers open

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Prevent Slips and Falls

Immediate spill cleanup

Warnings

Mats

Shoes

Wet surfaces

Icy spots reporting

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More Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

Use common sense

Adjust your stride

Make wide turns

Don’t block your vision

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Be Careful on Stairs

 Hold handrails

 Don’t run

 Inspect for slippery surfaces or damage

 Don’t put objects on stairs

 Keep one hand free

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Use Ladders Safely

 Use the right ladder for the job

 Inspect for damage

 Be sure the ladder is stable

 Climb and descend safely

 Use a tool belt

 Hold on

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Prevent Slips, Trips, And Falls Outdoors

 Watch where you’re going

 Use shoes with good traction

 Slow down

 Wipe your feet

 Sand slippery spots

 Wear sunglasses

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Use sturdy stepstool

Prevent Slips, Trips, And Falls at Home

Follow safety procedures

Clean spills immediately

Use a bath mat

Fix curled carpet edges

Have stair railings

Use lights

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What to Do If You’re Falling

 Bend

 Roll

 Protect your head

 Use hands

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What to Do If You’re Hurt

 Report any falls

 Get medical attention

 Know the full extent of your injuries

 Follow doctor’s orders

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Wear sunglasses for glare

Matching

Stairs Ladders Outdoors

Home

Use a bathmat

Don’t leave objects on

Choose the right one for the job

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QUIZ

Slips happen when there is friction or traction between footwear and the walking surface.

Trips happen when your foot collides by striking or hitting an object.

Good housekeeping does not prevent slips, trips and falls.

You should never use the top 3 steps of a ladder.

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Questions?

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References

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, 2010. Slips, trips and falls Module 1.

BLR. Preventing slips, trips and falls: A guide for employees.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd

=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDgQFjAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.com.ed u%2Fgcsi%2Friskfiles%2FSlipTripFall%2F!SlipTripFall%2520032006%2520 COM.ppt&ei=Gap-

VOuMLI_Xaq7MgfgL&usg=AFQjCNGnDeey6Y7f8_koStw8Ro8OrYYGow&b vm=bv.80642063,d.d2s

CCOSH, 2013. Preventing slips, trips and falls.

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/falls.html

OSHA, 2014. Fall Prevention Training Guide: A Lesson Plan for Employers.

ENFORM, 2010. Worker’s Guide to Safe Work On Slips, Trips, and Falls.