Slips, Trips, and Falls COMMON CAUSES AND PREVENTION

Transcription

1 Slips, Trips, and Falls COMMON CAUSES AND PREVENTION

2

3 US Statistics Injuries from slips and falls are the most common work related injury 25,000 slip and fall injuries per day 35% of all work related injuries are from slip and fall 65% of all work days lost are from slip and fall The total annual cost of slip and fall injuries in the United States is over $60 billion annually (Managing Slip and Fall Injuries Culture of Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2014.)

4 UVU Statistics

5 UVU Statistics TYPE OF ACCIDENT

6 Where and What Hurts? Common Types of Injuries: Commonly Affected Body Parts: Sprains/Strains Knee, Ankle, Foot Bruises/Contusions Wrist, Elbow Fractures Back Abrasions/Lacerations Shoulder Hip Head

7 UVU Statistics TYPE OF INJURIES

8 Slips Slips occur when there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface.

9 Slips What Causes a Slip and Fall? Gravity: Without support gravity causes things to fall towards the earth. Momentum: The bigger you are, the harder you fall.

10 Slips Common Causes Weather Hazards: Rain, Sleet, Ice, Snow, Hail, Frost Wet Surfaces: Water, Fluids, Grease, Oil Dry Surfaces: Dust, Powders, Wood, Plastic Wrapping Highly polished/freshly Waxed Floors Transitioning Surfaces (e.g. Carpeted to Vinyl) Sloped Walking Surfaces Loose, Unanchored Rugs/Mats Metal Surfaces: Dock Plates, Platforms, Dock boards Mounting/Dismounting: Heavy Equipment, truck beds, trailers Climbing Up and Down Ladders

11 Trips Trips occur when a person s foot contacts an object or drops to a lower level unexpectedly and throws the person off balance.

12 Trips Common Causes: Cables, Wires, or Extension Cords across walkways Open Cabinet, File, or Desk Drawers Changes in Elevations/Levels (e.g. unmarked steps) Rolled up Carpets/Mats Protruding Objects from Walking Surface Sidewalk/Curb Drops Speed Bumps Bulky/Awkard PPE

13 Prevention Housekeeping Provide time for clean up during the day as needed, and at the end of the shift Keep walkways clear of materials and debris Maintain good drainage and containment for oil and water spill areas Maintain good lighting in work area

14 Prevention Flooring and Walking Surfaces Clean floors on a regular basis Reduce/Eliminate trip hazards ¼ high in all pedestrian walkways Keep all walkways clear of materials and debris Highlight changes in walkways with Safety Yellow warning paint Ensure mats are slip resistant

15 Prevention Weather Hazards Wear slip resistant shoes Wear sunglasses outdoors in ice and snow Treat walking surfaces Utilize a cart to transport materials Walk with your hands and arms out to your sides

16 Prevention Stairs and Handrails Ensure that stair tread is slip resistant Provide adequate lighting in stairwells Keep stairs clear at all times: do not use stairs as a storage area Don t carry anything that blocks your vision Keep one hand free to support yourself or steady a fall

17 Prevention Distracted Walking Keep head up and looking for hazards while walking Do not walk and operate a device If you re in a busy area, stop and complete your texting in a safe place Listen to music at a level that allow you to hear vehicles and signals around you

18 So What If I Ignore This Advice and End Up Falling??? Tuck and roll to distribute the force along the entire body Protect your head Avoid direct impact by bending elbows, knees, and hips DO NOT put your hands out in front of you, this could break your wrists Falling Backwards: try to squat and pull your chin into your chest to help avoid hitting your head

19 Accident Reporting If an injury or accident does occur to a UVU employee, Supervisor s/employee s need to contact Human Resources at the information provided below. Cameron Evans Coordinator - Employee Wellness Phone: Cameron.Evans@uvu.edu

20 Expect the Unexpected!!!

21 Governing Standards OSHA Standard CFR (a b) Housekeeping: (a)(1); (a)(2); (a)(3); (b) Aisles and Passageways: (b)(1) ANSI/ASSE Slip Resistance on Walking/Working Surface: ANSI/ASSE A

22 Sources Sharecare.com, Dr. Michael Roizen Preventing Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls: Carol J. Lehtola, Charles M. Brown, and William J. Becker WalkSafe Training Guide: Workers Compensation Fund