Slips, Trips, and Falls DISCLAIMER: The contents of this document - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Slips, Trips, and Falls

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this document are intended only for the informational use of the addressee. The information contained herein is not intended as, nor does it constitute, specific legal or technical advice to the reader. Any information or recommendations contained herein are provided to the addressee for usage at their own discretion. Neither Signal Mutual Indemnity Association Ltd., its Members, Managers or Signal Administration, Inc. and/or their employees accept liability whether in tort, negligence, contract, or otherwise, to anyone for any lack of technical skill, completeness of recommendations, or analysis of issues associated with the discussion of topics set forth herein. No responsibility is assumed for the discovery or elimination of unsafe conditions. Compliance with any recommendations herein should not assume your compliance with any federal, state, or local law or regulation. Additionally, the information contained herein does not constitute and shall not be construed to reflect the adoption of any coverage position by Signal Mutual Indemnity Association Ltd., its Members, Managers or Signal Administration, Inc. and/or their employees.

Introduction  There’s been so much information about slips, trips, and falls that many people are no longer paying attention.  Slips and falls were the major causes of injuries in the early days of safety.  There are cases where people were deliberately pushed down stairs. There have been a wide range of accidents in the workplace from every conceivable cause.

Introduction  This even includes running into doors or doors running into people.  Jumping from elevated surfaces has caused quite a few injuries.  And every type of slip and fall from ladders to slippery floors, debris on the floor or working surfaces.  No improvement is noticeable.

Today’s Injury Statistics  With today’s technology, injury statistics demonstrate where we went wrong, and even with excellent safety and health departments, we still experience slip and fall incidents.  What’s the magic bullet? New floor surfaces. State of the art shoes.  What’s the answer? We believe it is more training. And that everyone accepts responsibility for working and acting safely.  Who would have thought of that?

Overview of Course  Let’s look at how we’re going to approach today’s course.  First, we want to review some of the ways people trip and fall.  Secondly, we want to review basic prevention techniques.  Thirdly, we’d like to encourage you to get on the safety bandwagon for preventing slips, trips, and falls.

Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls  When you think of ladders, uneven surfaces, and of course slippery surfaces such as water, ice, and grease, you can visualize the cause of accidents.  OSHA states that about 35 percent of the majority of workplace accidents are caused by slips, trips, and falls.

Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls  Falls can cause severe injuries such as broken hands and arms, back injuries, strains to muscles and ligaments, and even death.  Slips, trips, and falls happen when working with ladders, platforms and heights. Nothing good can come from slips, trips and falls.

Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls  Remember, these types of accidents have been around for a long time. So it’s nothing new. However, there is a new concentrated effort to eliminate slips, trips, and falls.

Falls  About 60 percent of falls are a result of slips and trips. The remaining 40 percent are falls from heights, falls from ladders, roofs, and stairs, or from jumping to a lower level.

Slips  Slips happen when there is too little friction or traction between footwear and the walking surface.  Common causes of slips are wet or oily surfaces, occasional spills, weather hazards, or unanchored rugs or mats and flooring, and walking surfaces that do not have the same degree of traction in all areas.

Trips  Trips happen when your foot collides by striking or hitting an object, causing you to lose your balance and then fall.  Common causes of trips are: o Obstructed view o Poor lighting o Clutter in your way o Wrinkled carpeting o Uncovered cables o Bottom drawers not being closed o Uneven steps and walking surfaces

Review  A trip occurs when a person’s foot comes in contact with an object that’s in their way or drops to a lower level unexpectedly, causing them to be thrown off balance.  A slip occurs when there is too little traction between footwear and the walking surface.  A fall occurs when you’re too far off balance.

Prevention Techniques  Both slips and trips result from some kind of unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface.  This shows that good housekeeping, quality of walking surfaces or flooring, selection of proper footwear, and appropriate pace of walking are critical to preventing fall accidents.

Prevention Techniques  What are some basic ways you can prevent slips and trips? o Install light sources that are sufficient for your task, o Use a flashlight if you’re entering a dark room where there’s no light o Ensure that things you’re carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing obstructions or spills

Housekeeping  The first and most important level in preventing falls due to slips and trips is good housekeeping which includes; o Cleaning all spills immediately o Marking spills and wet areas o Mopping or sweeping debris from floors o Removing obstacles from walkways and keeping them free of clutter o Securing mats, rugs and carpets that don’t lay flat o Always close file cabinet and storage drawers

Housekeeping  Other housekeeping tasks are: o Cover cables that cross walkways. o Keep work areas and walkways well lit. o Replace used light bulbs and faulty switches.  Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive measure such as installation of special flooring, appropriate footwear, or training in walking and safe falling, will never be fully effective.

Footwear  In workplaces where floors may be oily, wet, or if workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall accidents should focus on selecting proper footwear.  Since there’s no footwear with anti-slip properties, consulting a shoe manufacturer is highly recommended.  Proper fitting footwear increases comfort, and prevents fatigue, which can improve safety for the employee.

Footwear  It’s important to remember that safety is everybody’s business.  However, it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe work environment for all employees.  The most important protection is to wear the proper footwear for your work and environment.

Footwear  In most occupations, the shoes or boots should provide three major types of protection. o Soles and heels should be slip resistant o The toe of the shoe should resist crushing injuries o The shoe should support the ankle

Footwear  Leather covering the foot and ankle portion of the foot is preferred in most work environments.  However, when working in wet environments, or around chemicals, oils, greases, or pesticides, boots made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a blend of PVC and polyurethane, or neoprene should be used.  Rubber is satisfactory for wet conditions but not with pesticides or petroleum products.

Behaviors That Lead to Falls  In addition to wearing the wrong footwear, there are specific behaviors which can lead to slips, trips, and falls.

Behaviors That Lead to Falls  Walking too fast or running can cause major problems that can lead to slips, trips, and falls.  Distractions, not watching where one is going.  Carrying materials which obstruct view.  Wearing sunglasses in low light areas.  Failure to use hand rails.

Behaviors That Lead to Falls  These and other behaviors, caused by a lack of knowledge, impatience, or a lack of good habits developed from past experiences, can lead to falls, injuries, or even death.  Makeshift ladders, chairs, boxes, and barrels should never be used as substitutes for a ladder. The risk of injury is far too great.

Falls from Vehicles and Equipment  Death or serious injury is a frequent result of extra riders falling from tractors, equipment, or the bed of a truck.  The safe way to avoid falls from vehicles or equipment is to not allow riders.

Falls from Vehicles and Equipment  Practice the three point system on entry and exit. This system can significantly reduce the chances of injuring yourself through a slip or fall while climbing ladders or while entering or exiting a vehicle.  The three point system means that three of your four limbs are in contact with the ladder or vehicle at all times - either one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot.

Falls from Vehicles and Equipment  Only one limb is in motion at any time with the three point system.  When getting off the bed of a truck or wagon, or any similar level, step down backwards.  Never jump or fall down forward.