05 May Watch Your Step! Don’t Slip & Fall

Watch Your Step! Don’t Slip & Fall

Slips and falls can happen anywhere—on wet or uneven surfaces, stairs, ladders, scaffolds, loading areas, and while entering or exiting vehicles and equipment. Many incidents can be prevented by paying attention to walking surfaces, maintaining good housekeeping, wearing appropriate footwear, and using access equipment correctly.

Guide for Discussion

Watch Where You Walk

Stay alert to changing walking and working surfaces.

• Watch for water, oil, mud, ice, loose materials, cords, tools, and debris.
• Clean up spills promptly or barricade the area until the hazard is corrected.
• Keep aisles, walkways, and access routes clear.
• Use adequate lighting and report poorly illuminated areas.
• Slow down when conditions are wet, icy, uneven, or otherwise hazardous.
• Do not run or take shortcuts through unsafe areas.

Wear Proper Footwear

Wear footwear appropriate for the work and conditions.

• Use slip-resistant footwear where surfaces may be wet or slippery.
• Keep soles free of mud, oil, and other substances that reduce traction.
• Replace footwear when soles or heels become excessively worn or damaged.
• Wear required safety footwear for the hazards of the job.

Floor Openings and Unprotected Edges

Floor holes and openings can result in serious falls.

• Never enter an area containing an unprotected floor opening.
• Keep required covers, guardrails, and barricades in place.
• Do not remove or relocate a cover without authorization.
• Never jump across holes, trenches, pits, or other openings.
• Report missing, damaged, loose, or improperly secured covers immediately.

Use Stairs Safely

• Walk—never run—on stairs.
• Use handrails whenever available.
• Keep steps and landings free of tools, materials, cords, and debris.
• Do not carry loads that prevent you from seeing the steps.
• Report loose, damaged, slippery, or poorly illuminated stairs.

Use Ladders Correctly

Inspect ladders before use and remove damaged ladders from service.

• Place ladders on stable, level surfaces.
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing.
• Face the ladder when climbing or descending.
• Keep your body between the side rails and avoid overreaching.
• For non-self-supporting ladders used for access, use the proper setup angle of approximately 4:1.
• Secure ladders when necessary to prevent displacement.
• Never stand on the top step or top cap of a stepladder or use any step prohibited by the manufacturer.

Use Scaffolds Safely

Only use scaffolds that have been properly erected and inspected as required.

• Check that platforms are properly decked and secured.
• Use required guardrails or other fall protection.
• Do not use damaged scaffold components.
• Maintain safe access to scaffold platforms.
• Never climb cross braces unless the scaffold is specifically designed to allow it.
• Report unstable, damaged, or incomplete scaffolds before use.

Entering and Exiting Vehicles and Equipment

Never jump from trucks, trailers, or heavy equipment.

• Face the equipment when climbing or descending.
• Maintain three points of contact.
• Use designated steps and handholds.
• Do not use tires, wheel hubs, door edges, or other unsuitable surfaces as steps or handholds.
• Check the ground for mud, ice, debris, uneven surfaces, and other hazards before stepping down.

Remember

A slip or misstep can happen in seconds and result in a serious injury. Keep walking surfaces clear, slow down when conditions require it, use proper access equipment, and pay attention to where you place your feet.