Slips, Trips and Falls

1. Slips, Trips and Falls

2. Introduction According to OSHA, slip, trip and fall accidents account for the majority of workplace injuries and are a major cause of accidental deaths, second only to motor vehicle accidents. Slip, trip and fall accidents occur frequently because situations that can lead to such accidents are so prevalent in all aspects of life. A child’s toy left in the hallway can definitely trip you up on your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Wet concrete can be very slippery to try and walk across. Reaching just a little bit more from the top of the ladder can spell disaster. Most slip, trip and fall accidents can be prevented by following safety rules and safe work procedures.

3. Types of Falls • There are two types of falls that can occur: Same Level Falls and Elevated Falls. This program will mainly address same level falls. Falls from elevations will be discussed but prevention requires specialized protection and training. • Same Level Falls • Occur more frequently • Primarily caused by slips and trips • Less severe than elevated falls • Injuries typically include back injuries, broken bones, sprains and strains

4. Types of Falls • Elevated Falls • Occur less frequently • Result in more severe injuries • Some causes include falls from ladders, stairs, buildings, docks, vehicles and other structures • Serious injury, even death can occur

5. Causes • There are many hazards which cause slips, trips and falls. • Slips -A slip occurs when you lose your footing due to walking surface conditions that limit the amount of traction between your shoes and the surface. • Slips happen mainly due to wet or slippery surfaces. • The hazard is increased when inappropriate footwear is worn. • Surfaces can become wet and/or slippery from rain, snow, ice, oil or spills. • Loose flooring (tiles, mats, rugs, etc.) and the surface material itself (ceramic tile, smooth concrete, etc.) can also cause one to slip.

6. Causes • Trips - A trip occurs when you strike an object with your foot that throws you off balance causing you to fall. Trips can also be caused by stepping downward unexpectedly. There are many possible causes for trips. • Inadequate lighting. • Moving from lit areas to dark areas. • Obstructed pathways from tools, equipment, supplies, debris, cables and/or cords. • Walking surface conditions, which might involve uneven surfaces, potholes, temporary walkways and cracks. • Coordinating work between different companies and the equipment (ladders, scaffolding, tools, etc) they use. • Carrying large and/or heavy objects.

7. Causes • Falls - A fall occurs when you are thrown off balance and you go from a standing or erect position suddenly and unexpectedly, to a downward movement or you drop from one level to a lower level. Slipping and tripping usually results in a fall. Other types of falls include: • Falls from ladders and scaffolds. Misuse or inappropriate actions can be very dangerous when using ladders and scaffolds. • Falls from vehicles and equipment. Getting in and out of equipment, trucks and other vehicles always presents a fall hazard. Traction is generally low when stepping onto or off of the metal steps, tailgates and other parts of such equipment. Riding on the outside of equipment and vehicles is also dangerous unless there is appropriate seating. • Falls on stairs. Moving up or down stairs can be hazardous especially when carrying something. The potential for an accident is also greater when the stairs are wet or when “clutter” is stored on the steps.

8. Prevention Preventing slips, trips and falls is an ongoing task. Your work environment should be monitored/inspected daily for hazards or potential hazards. Be aware that the potential for hazards can change frequently, even throughout the workday. Employers and employees must be aware of the surroundings and take steps to minimize or eliminate hazards daily.

9. Prevention Housekeeping Good Housekeeping is the most basic step to preventing slip, trip and fall accidents. Clean spills immediately. Delaying cleanup potentially exposes more people to the hazard. Use wet floor signs or barricade the area to identify wet areas. Remove debris and scrap frequently from work areas and place in designated locations. Keep walkways clear of materials, debris and clutter. Keep floors swept. Run cords, cables and hoses overhead when possible, otherwise secure and cover cords, cables and hoses that cross walkways.

10. Prevention Lighting Keep work areas well lit. Replace burned-out bulbs immediately. Maintain appropriate lighting through the use of portable light stands if necessary. Move cautiously in darker areas and when moving from well-lit to darker areas. Stairways Keep stairs free of materials and debris. Walk slowly and use handrails when going up or down. Take one step at a time. Keep outside steps free of ice and snow.

11. Prevention Walking and Working Surfaces Uneven walking and working surfaces should be marked with warning tape or signs. Create smooth transitions between different floor levels with the use of ramps or wedges. Temporary floor covers should be taped together. All floor openings and holes should be covered or guarded to prevent people from falling or stepping into the area.

12. Prevention Ladders Never use a chair, box, table or other objects not specifically made for standing on to reach elevated levels. Always use a ladder. Use only ladders meeting OSHA requirements, and are appropriate for the job. Ladders need to meet the weight requirements for the work being performed. Place ladders at a 4:1 ratio from the vertical support. For every 4 feet of working height the ladder base should be 1 foot out from the top support. Never use a metal ladder on or around electrical elements. Always use a wood or fiberglass ladder. Maintain a 3-point contact with the ladder whenever climbing, descending or working from a ladder.

13. Prevention Scaffolding Construct all scaffolds according to the manufacturer's instructions. Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms. Use appropriate fall protection for scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level. Use caution when working with tools and building materials on the limited space of a scaffold. Provide safe access to scaffold platforms. Do not climb cross-bracing as a means of access.

14. Prevention Miscellaneous Make sure you are properly trained on PPE and its use. Use PPE correctly. Always wear proper footwear for the worksite. Watch where you are walking. Pay attention and do not allow yourself to be distracted from the task at hand. Never rush through a task, work at a normal pace. Carry fewer objects and make more trips. Get help moving large, heavy or awkward shaped items. Report all slip, trip or fall accidents even if no one was hurt. This will allow changes to be made to avoid the incident from reoccurring. Otherwise someone might be injured if it happens again.

15. Fall Protection Construction employees working at elevations of six feet or more and all other employees working at elevations of four feet or more must be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system or personal fall arrest system. This rule applies to ramps, runways, open-sided floors or platforms and other working and walking surfaces.

16. Walking on Wet Surfaces • If you must walk on wet surfaces, there are certain precautions you can take to prevent slipping and falling. • Take slow small steps. • Point your feet slightly outward to help provide a stable base of support. • Pay attention to the walking surface. • Use handrails or stable objects for support • when available. • Your arms and hands help stabilize you when • walking. Do not walk with your hands in • your pockets. • Avoid sharp turns and quick movements. • Wear slip-resistant footwear.

17. Falling The purpose of this training program is to prevent falls but should you fall, it is important to know how to fall to minimize injury. Tuck in your chin and turn your head. As you are falling, twist or roll your body to the side. It is safer to land on your buttocks or side than your back. Keep your wrist, elbow and knees bent. Protect your head with your arm. Land on as much of your body as possible to spread the impact forces across a larger area. Do not attempt to soften or break the fall with your hands.

18. Conclusion Preventing most slip, trip and fall accidents is as easy as paying attention to where you are going, staying focused on the task at hand and keeping your work area clean. Failure to do these simple things can be costly. The price is more than you will want to pay. Work safely, work smart and go home healthy at the end of your work day.