Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention

Transcription

1 Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention

2 Session Objectives Recognize slips, trips, and falls as a serious safety problem Identify slip, trip, and fall hazards Avoid or eliminate slip, trip, and fall hazards Prevent falls from heights and on stairs Minimize injuries from falls

3 Pre-quiz: What do you think? Slip, trip, and fall accidents are uncommon in the workplace. Some slip, trip, and fall accidents can cause serious injuries. There s little you can do on the job to prevent slips, trips, and falls except watch where you re going. You should look for slip, trip, and fall hazards around your home as well as at work.

4 Definitions Slip When there is too little friction or traction between your feet (footwear) and the walking or working surface, and you lose your balance.. Trip When your foot (or lower leg) hits an object and your upper body continues moving, throwing you off balance. Can lead to: Friction: The resistance encountered when an object (foot) is moved in contact with another (ground). Friction is necessary in order to walk without slipping. Fall Occurs when you are too far off your center of balance. When you step down unexpectedly to a lower surface (Misstep) and lose your balance, e.g., stepping off a curb.

5 Definitions: 2 types of falls Fall-at-the-same-level When you fall to the surface you are walking or standing on, or fall into or against objects at or above the surface. Fall-to-lower-level When you fall to a level below the one on which you are walking, working, or standing. For example: Step or stairs Ladder Platform Loading dock

6 Slips, Trips, and Falls are Costly Slips and trips can happen in any part of the workplace, inside or outdoors. Slips and trips often result in falls and more serious outcomes, including disabling injuries and even death. The costs to both worker and employer can be great: To Worker: pain lost wages temporary or permanent disability reduced quality of life depression To Employer: loss in productivity and business increased industrial insurance premiums costs associated with training replacement worker

7 Slip, Trip, and Fall Incidents Occur Frequently According to the U. S. Department of Labor, slips, trips, and falls make up the majority of general industry accidents. 15 percent of all accidental deaths ( 12,000/year), second leading cause behind motor vehicles One of the most frequent types of reported injuries about 25% of reported claims per fiscal year Over 17% of all disabling work injuries are the result of falls

8 Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls Common types of injuries: Sprains, strains Bruises, contusions Fractures Abrasions, cuts Commonly affected body parts: Knee, Ankle, Foot Wrist, Elbow Back Shoulder Hip Head

9 What contributes to the slip/ trip risk? Floor material & condition Environment Slip/trip potential Contamination People Footwear

10 Common Slip, Trip, And Fall Hazards Inadequate housekeeping Poor visibility Inattention Running Spills

11 Common Slip, Trip, And Fall Hazards Clutter Open drawers Flooring Wet or slippery surfaces Handrails Ladders Shoes

12 Human Factors Increasing the Risk of Slips &Trips Health and physical condition can impair a person s vision, judgment, and balance. Eyesight, visual perception Age Physical state, fatigue Stress, illness Medications, alcohol, drugs

13 Eliminate Trip And Fall Hazards Practice good housekeeping Step over obstructions Walk slowly Watch for changes in flooring Be sure lighting is adequate

14 DON T! Eliminate Trip And Fall Hazards Leave materials on floor Block walkways Place anything on stairs Leave drawers open

15 Prevent Slips and Falls Immediate spill cleanup Warnings Mats Shoes Wet surfaces Icy spots reporting

16 More Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls Use common sense Adjust your stride Make wide turns Don t block your vision

17 Hold handrails Don t run Inspect for slippery surfaces or damage Don t put objects on stairs Keep one hand free Be Careful on Stairs

18 Use Ladders Safely Use the right ladder for the job Inspect for damage Be sure the ladder is stable Climb and descend safely Use a tool belt Hold on

19 Prevent Slips, Trips, And Falls Outdoors Watch where you re going Use shoes with good traction Slow down Wipe your feet Sand slippery spots Wear sunglasses

20 Prevent Slips, Trips, And Falls at Home Use sturdy stepstool Use a bath mat Follow safety procedures Fix curled carpet edges Have stair railings Clean spills immediately Use lights Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1003

21 What to Do If You re Falling Bend Roll Protect your head Use hands

22 What to Do If You re Hurt Report any falls Get medical attention Know the full extent of your injuries Follow doctor s orders

23 Matching Stairs Ladders Outdoors Home Wear sunglasses for glare Choose the right one for the job Use a bathmat Don t leave objects on

24 QUIZ Slips happen when there is friction or traction between footwear and the walking surface. Trips happen when your foot collides by striking or hitting an object. Good housekeeping does not prevent slips, trips and falls. You should never use the top 3 steps of a ladder.

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35 References Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Slips, trips and falls Module 1. BLR. Preventing slips, trips and falls: A guide for employees. =5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDgQFjAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.com.ed u%2fgcsi%2friskfiles%2fsliptripfall%2f!sliptripfall% %2520 COM.ppt&ei=Gap- VOuMLI_Xaq7MgfgL&usg=AFQjCNGnDeey6Y7f8_koStw8Ro8OrYYGow&b vm=bv ,d.d2s CCOSH, Preventing slips, trips and falls. OSHA, Fall Prevention Training Guide: A Lesson Plan for Employers. ENFORM, Worker s Guide to Safe Work On Slips, Trips, and Falls.