Slips Trips and Falls Copyright 2012 American Safety

Slips, Trips, and Falls Copyright © 2012 American Safety Management Inc.

Slip • When there is too little friction or traction between your feet (footwear) and the walking or working surface, and you lose your balance. Slip

Trip Tr ip • When your foot (or lower leg) hits an object and your upper body continues moving, throwing you off balance.

Trip • When you step down unexpectedly to a lower surface (Misstep) and lose your balance, e. g. , stepping off a curb. p Tri

Fall • Occurs when you are too far off your center of balance. Fall

Human Factors Increasing the Risk of Slips, Trips and Falls

Health and Physical Condition • • • Eyesight, visual perception Age Physical state, fatigue Stress or Illness Medications, alcohol, drug These factors can impair a person’s vision, judgment, and balance.

Behaviors • Actions you choose and control can contribute to a slip, trip, and fall injury if you set yourself up for one.

Cumbersome Objects • Carrying or moving cumbersome objects, or too many objects, that obstruct your view impair your balance and prevent you from holding onto handrails.

Poor Housekeeping • Allowing clutter and trash to accumulate • Not maintaining clean dry floors

Improper Cleaning Methods • Incorrectly using wax or polish • Trying to clean up grease spill with water

Failure to Use Signage • When slip or trip hazards exist

Inattentive Behavior • Walking distractions (e. g. , using cell phone, talking and not watching where you’re going, etc. )

Taking Shortcuts • • Not using walkways Not using designated, cleared pathways Being in a hurry Moving too fast

Why is this an Important Topic? • Falls kill over 12, 000 people per year, second only to vehicle deaths • 10% of these fatalities are work related • Falls on stairs disable 33, 000 people/year • Over 17% of all disabling work injuries are the result of falls

Common Physical Causes • • • Unsafe stairs Obstructions Slippery or uneven surfaces Improper shoes Poor lighting

Factors Increasing the Risk of Slips, Trips and Falls Not Paying Attention Improper Method of Carrying Items

Important Do’s • Check the condition of stairs and fix or report the following – Missing or broken steps – Items left on steps – Inadequate lighting • Use railings when climbing up or down stairs • Keep everything in its proper place

Important Do’s (Cont. ) • Fix or report any floor problems such as loose or missing tiles, warped wood planks and turned-up rug edges • Investigate non-skid floor coatings • Use slip resistant mats in wet areas • Keep walkways and aisles clear of obstacles • Keep drawers closed • Dispose of trash promptly and properly

Important Do’s (Cont. ) • • • Keep areas being cleaned blocked off and labeled Clean up spills and leaks right away Make sure lighting is adequate Walk, don’t run On slippery (especially ice) or uneven surfaces, use short sliding steps and keep arms and hands free for balance

Important Do’s (Cont. ) • • • Wear shoes with nonskid soles and flat heels Beware of loose pant cuffs Keep all four chair legs on the floor Step around obstructions Look ahead and pay attention to where you are going and what might be in the way

Important Don’ts • Tolerate clutter • Leave tripping hazards such as electrical cords and cables and air hoses in walkways • Carry a load you cannot see over • Carry heavy loads on slippery surfaces • Jump off platforms, ladders, or loading docks • Don’t run at work