TOOL BOX TALKS

Slips/trips/falls Prevention

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;

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).

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.

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