Preventing Falls in the Workplace

1. Preventing Falls in the Workplace

2. Current Data • Falls are serious: cause injury or death • On-the-job falls: #2 workplace injury • Minor falls usually aren’t reported • Embarrassment contributes to under reporting of falls • Too often fall prevention is not a priority

3. Current Data (cont.) Fatalities • 2nd leading cause of job-related death • Almost 15% of occupational deaths • Mostly from falls from one level to another Injuries • Leading cause of non-fatal workplace injury • Mostly fall to the same level

4. Current Data (cont.)

5. Understanding the Data

6. Understanding the Data (cont.) Falls to another level occur • Unguarded heights • Unstable work surfaces • Ladders Falls to same level occur • Doorways • Ramps • Cluttered hallways • Areas with heavy traffic • Uneven surfaces • Areas prone to wetness

7. Solution/Prevention Falls to the same level • Remove clutterfrom doorways, pathways • Report or fixwalking surface hazards or damaged railings when noticed • Block accessto spills or other hazards until corrected – don’t ignore it • Clean surfaces correctly to prevent slipperiness • Use lights in walkway areas • Mark uneven surfaces and stairs • Report all falls

8. Solution/Prevention (cont.) Falls to another level • Use appropriate fall protection devices when working at heights • Follow guidelines for ladder safety • Ensure stability of surface beforehand • Report all falls

9. Solution/Prevention • Wear proper footwear • Use hand railings and grab bars • Don’t text message, chat or read while walking • Be alert to your surroundings, even familiar ones • Don’t laugh when someone falls

10. NSC Strategy to Address Data • Document science and evaluate solutions • Develop programs • Seek legislation: connect national to local interests • Develop recognized expertise • Create partnerships • Develop NSC public policy statements • Work the issue at every level

11. You Can Get Involved • Share information and resources: nsc.org • Promote fall prevention: National Safety Month (June) nsc.org/nsm • Provide training on falls prevention: nsc.org/train • Be an advocate for fall prevention legislation

12. You Can Get Involved • Continually check to make sure areas are clutter free • Make sure all falls are being reported • Ensure problem areas are made safe immediately • Use safety practices at work AND at home Disclaimer: Information and recommendations are compiled from sources found in the NSC Library that are believed to be reliable. The NSC makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency, or completeness of such information or recommendations.