TOOL BOX TALKS

1. TOOL BOX TALKS Slips/trips/falls Prevention

2. Factors contributing to slips and trips • tasks that create floor contaminants, either wet (eg water, oil) or dry (eg dust, paper); • floor surface or illumination level not suitable for activities; • footwear not appropriate to the task or work environment; • inadequate cleaning arrangements/procedures/ products; • uneven floor levels, loose floor coverings and joints between flooring materials; • storage of objects in walkways and traffic routes;

3. Factors contributing to slips and trips cont. • distractions in the workplace; • the need to rush tasks; • environmental factors (e.g. wet weather, frost, heat or cold stress); • individual factors (e.g. eyesight, medical conditions, certain medications, response to heat/cold/noise/stress).

4. Risk Control Strategies • Wear rubber soled shoes • Support workers to use torches when visiting client homes or on community access when illumination may be low • Support workers to spend time removing any possible trip hazards before commencing work e.g. rug over cord, move boxes from corridors etc. • Include the regular cleaning of floor contaminants in safe work procedures and housekeeping practices. • Reinforce the need to watch where walking on a regular basis.

5. Ladder Safety • Support workers to not undertake any climbing task without completion of a risk assessment • Use of step ladder only permitted – ensure fully open and do not climb above second step • For maintenance staff using straight ladder ensure angle is 4:1 and stable base and top • Remember 3 points of contact at all times when on a ladder