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Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention

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

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.

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:

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

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:

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.

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:

What contributes to the slip/ trip risk?

Slip/trip potential

Floor material & condition

Contamination

Footwear People

Environment

Inadequate housekeeping

Poor visibility

Inattention

Running

Spills

Common Slip, Trip, And Fall Hazards

Common Slip, Trip, And Fall Hazards

Clutter

Open drawers

Flooring

Wet or slippery surfaces

Handrails

Ladders

Shoes

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.

Eliminate Trip And Fall Hazards

Practice good housekeeping

Step over obstructions

Walk slowly

Watch for changes in flooring

Be sure lighting is adequate

Eliminate Trip And Fall Hazards

DON’T!

Leave materials on floor

Block walkways

Place anything on stairs

Leave drawers open

Prevent Slips and Falls

Immediate spill cleanup

Warnings

Mats

Shoes

Wet surfaces

Icy spots reporting

More Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

Use common sense

Adjust your stride

Make wide turns

Don’t block your vision

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

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

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

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

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1003

What to Do If You’re Falling

Bend

Roll

Protect your head

Use hands

What to Do If You’re Hurt

Report any falls

Get medical attention

Know the full extent of your injuries

Follow doctor’s orders

Wear sunglasses for glare

Matching

Stairs

Ladders

Outdoors

Home

Use a bathmat

Don’t leave objects on

Choose the right one for the job

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?

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.