27 Jul Don’t Fall for Injuries

Don’t Fall for Injuries

Falls remain one of the most common causes of workplace injuries and can result in serious or fatal accidents. Falls can occur on the same level, such as slips and trips, or from one level to another, such as falls from ladders, stairs, roofs, platforms, scaffolds, or other elevated surfaces.

Most falls can be prevented by recognizing hazards, maintaining good housekeeping, using the proper equipment, and paying attention to where you are walking and working.

Prevent Slips, Trips, and Same-Level Falls

Good housekeeping and proper walking surfaces are essential for preventing falls.

• Keep aisles, walkways, stairs, and work areas free of trash, cords, tools, materials, and other obstructions.
• Clean up water, oil, grease, and other spills promptly.
• Barricade or mark hazardous areas until they can be corrected.
• Repair or report damaged flooring, uneven surfaces, loose mats, potholes, and other walking-surface hazards.
• Provide adequate lighting in work and travel areas.
• Wear footwear appropriate for the work and surface conditions.
• Walk—do not run—especially on wet, icy, uneven, or unfamiliar surfaces.
• Keep your attention on your travel path.
• Avoid carrying materials that block your view of the walking surface.
• Use designated walkways whenever available.

Stairs and Elevated Walking Surfaces

Use extra caution when traveling on stairs, ramps, platforms, and elevated surfaces.

• Use handrails when ascending or descending stairs.
• Take one step at a time and avoid rushing.
• Keep stairs and landings clear of materials and debris.
• Never jump from platforms, vehicles, loading docks, or equipment.
• Report damaged stairs, handrails, guardrails, or walking surfaces immediately.

Floor Holes and Openings

Floor holes, wall openings, stair openings, and other fall hazards must be properly protected.

Depending on the hazard and applicable requirements, protection may include:

• Guardrail systems.
• Properly constructed and secured covers.
• Barricades or restricted-access areas.
• Personal fall protection systems.

Covers must be capable of supporting the required loads and secured against accidental displacement. Never remove a guardrail or floor-opening cover unless authorized and appropriate alternative protection has been established.

Do not rely solely on warning cones, caution tape, or signs when OSHA requires physical fall protection.

Ladder Safety

Improper ladder selection, setup, and use are frequent causes of falls.

Before using a ladder:

• Select the proper type and length for the task.
• Inspect it for damage or defects.
• Place it on a stable, level surface.
• Secure it when required.
• Face the ladder when climbing or descending.
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing.
• Keep your body centered between the side rails.
• Never overreach—climb down and reposition the ladder.
• Do not carry objects in your hands while climbing if doing so prevents safe contact with the ladder.
• Never use makeshift ladders, boxes, buckets, or other objects as substitutes for an approved ladder.

Remove defective ladders from service immediately.

Working at Heights

When employees are exposed to a fall hazard, use the fall protection required for the specific work activity. This may include guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems, or other approved fall protection methods.

Before beginning elevated work:

• Identify fall hazards.
• Inspect required fall protection equipment.
• Verify that anchorages and connections are appropriate.
• Protect floor and roof openings.
• Maintain safe access to elevated work areas.
• Follow the applicable fall protection plan and safe work procedures.

Never become complacent simply because an elevated task will take only a few minutes. A serious fall can happen in seconds.

Remember

Preventing falls starts with recognizing the conditions that can cause them. Keep walking surfaces clear, use handrails, protect openings, use ladders correctly, and use required fall protection when working at heights.

Watch where you are going and where you are working—every step matters.