22 Aug Slips, Trips and Falls – Preventing Workplace Injuries

Slips, Trips and Falls – Preventing Workplace Injuries

Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries. They can occur on walking and working surfaces, stairs, ladders, scaffolds, and elevated work areas. Many of these incidents can be prevented by recognizing hazards, maintaining good housekeeping, and following safe work practices.

Slips

Slips occur when there is not enough friction between your footwear and the walking surface. Common causes include:

• Water, oil, grease, mud, ice, or other slippery substances.
• Wet floors or spills.
• Loose rugs or mats.
• Smooth or slippery walking surfaces.
• Improper footwear.
• Walking too quickly for the conditions.

To prevent slips:

• Clean up spills promptly or report them so they can be corrected.
• Mark or barricade wet or slippery areas until the hazard is eliminated.
• Keep walking surfaces clean and dry whenever possible.
• Use extra caution on wet, icy, muddy, or uneven surfaces.
• Wear appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles when conditions require it.
• Use handrails when traveling on stairs.
• Walk—do not run—through work areas.

Trips

Trips occur when your foot strikes or catches on an object, causing you to lose your balance. They may also occur when stepping unexpectedly onto an uneven or lower surface.

Common tripping hazards include:

• Tools, materials, debris, and equipment left in walkways.
• Electrical cords, hoses, cables, and welding leads.
• Uneven or damaged flooring.
• Changes in floor elevation.
• Poor lighting.
• Open drawers or cabinet doors.
• Materials projecting into aisles or walkways.

Prevent trips by maintaining good housekeeping. Keep aisles, stairs, exits, and walking paths clear. Route cords and hoses away from pedestrian traffic whenever possible, and report damaged flooring, inadequate lighting, or other conditions that cannot be immediately corrected.

Falls

A slip or trip can easily result in a fall, but falls can also occur from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, platforms, floor openings, and other elevated surfaces.

To prevent falls:

• Use ladders and scaffolds only as intended and inspect them before use.
• Never use makeshift ladders, boxes, buckets, chairs, or other objects to gain additional height.
• Maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders.
• Keep stairs and access routes clear.
• Protect floor holes, openings, and other fall hazards with appropriate covers or guardrail systems.
• Never climb or stand on guardrails.
• Use required fall protection when exposed to fall hazards.
• Do not remove or bypass guardrails, covers, barricades, or other protective systems.
• Stop work and notify your supervisor if adequate fall protection or safe access is not available.

Watch Where You Are Going

Many falls occur because workers are distracted, rushing, carrying objects that block their view, or simply not watching where they are walking.

Keep your attention on your travel path. Do not carry materials that prevent you from seeing where you are going. Slow down when conditions are wet, icy, uneven, poorly illuminated, or congested.

Remember

Slips, trips and falls are often preventable. Good housekeeping, proper footwear, clear walking surfaces, safe access, and appropriate fall protection can prevent serious injuries.

Correct hazards when you can safely do so and report hazards that require additional attention. Never take a shortcut when it puts you at risk of a fall.