copyright progressive business publications slip, trip and fall prevention

Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention


The Most Deadly Hazard

Slips-and-falls account for more workplace injuries and deaths annually than any other accident category

Most of us don’t pay attention to slip, trip and fall hazards until it’s too late

Slips-and-falls are preventable


Dangerous Surfaces

Wet and worn surfaces cause two out of every three falls

Any floor can become a hazard if damaged or if something is spilled on it– Broken tiles, wrinkled or loose carpeting – Spills: oil, water, coffee, grease, cleaners

Different surfaces have different traction


Dangerous Surfaces

To be safe

– Keep walkways and working areas clean and dry. Watch for and clean up small spills immediately

– Cross unavoidable surface hazards carefully

– Always mark hazards

– Walk and work only where designated

– Look out for surface changes


Obstructions

Tripping hazards can take you down– Obstacles and obstructions include

both permanent fixtures and objects just left lying around

To be safe:– Keep floors, working places and

passageways clear of obstructions

– Don’t take shortcuts

– Housekeeping! Housekeeping!


Changes in Floor Height

Hazards to look for:

– Slopes, three or fewer steps, ramps, ledges

To be safe

– Pay close attention when movingfrom room to room / area to area

– Look for color markingsshowing uneven areas


Improper Footwear

Your shoes could be a hazard– Even the safest non-slip surface can be

compromised by worn or improper footwear

To be safe:

– Double check older,comfortable shoes

– Keep shoes clean

– Replace old footwear


Additional Hazards

Lighting:

– Never enter a poorly lit area

– Report poor lightingconditions immediately

Behavior-based hazards

– Inattentiveness

– Carrying too much

– Running and horseplay


Falls from Above

#1 cause of workplace deaths

Every year, falls from:

– Ladders kill 300 people and hurt 175,000 more

– Stairways disable 33,000 people

– Scaffolds kill 50 people and injure 4,500 more


Preventing Falls From Ladders

Always inspect first

Use on firm, levelsurfaces only

Protect from all traffic

Keep your hands free

Keep your body centered


Preventing Falls From Ladders

When using a stepladder:– Lock spreaders– Don’t stand above the second-to-top step

When using an extension ladder:– Use the one-to-four rule– Allow proper overhang – Secure it at the top and bottom– Don’t stand above the third-to-top step


Other Fall Hazards

Stairways– A special danger– Inspect for damage– Always use handrails– Watch heavy or awkward loads

Scaffolding and Platforms– Assemble properly– Keep planks level, clean and dry– Use fall protection where required– Use lifting devices to bring

up supplies


Other Fall Hazards

Loading Dock– High risk of exposure to poor surface conditions– Never jump off a dock!– Keep dock doors closed

Vehicles– Use caution stepping into or out of all vehicles– Don't jump from trucks or other equipment


Fall Prevention

Setting up barriers to help prevent falls

Unprotected wall openings and floor holes

– Guardrails

– Hole Covers


Fall Protection

Designed to save you in the event of a fall– Necessary @ 6 feet or more

Nets– Proper inspection

and placement

Harnesses, Lifelines, Lanyards– Proper inspection

and use


If You Spot a Hazard

F – Fix F – Flag F – Forewarn F – Find

Falls happen quickly

copyright progressive business publications slip, trip and fall prevention

Documents

step slide

horseplay slide

preventable slide

prevention slide

supplies slide

surface changes slide

old footwear slide

different traction slide