Slips Trips & Falls. What To Avoid

Transcription

1 Slips Trips & Falls What To Avoid

2 Did You Know? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fatal falls, slips, or trips took the lives of 666 workers in 2011, or about 14 percent of all fatal work injuries Falls to lower level accounted for 541 of those fatalities

3 Leading Cause of Injuries Slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of injuries to SDUSD employees. These injuries have ranged from cuts and bruises to broken bones and concussions. The following list contains examples of hazardous conditions that have led to falls.

4 Wet or Contaminated Floor Hazards Contaminant Rain water Water, other fluids Floor cleaning products Body fluids Condensation Dusts Debris Source Transmitted internally from open external doors or from the feet, coats or umbrellas of pedestrians Building leaks From spills, plumbing leaks, cleaning, ice machines, puddles around sinks Resulting from failure to follow appropriate cleaning protocol Blood, vomit Variations in temperature Natural or from stored materials Bags, paper, food residues, soil, cardboard boxes

5 Other Causes of Slips Trips and Falls Uneven walking surfaces, holes, changes in elevation, broken or loose floor tiles, defective or wrinkled carpet, curled floor mats or uneven steps/thresholds. Obstructions and accumulation of objects in walkways (e.g. hoses, cords, cables, debris, etc.). Open filing cabinet drawers Wearing improper shoes Carrying too many objects so hands are not free to hold onto handrails Not paying attention to potential hazards in pathway Unguarded platforms, walkways, and work areas 30 inches above ground Not walking on designated, cleared pathways Poorly lit areas

6 Hazards You May Come Across Uneven Surface Both of these pictures depict uneven surfaces and pose a trip hazard

7 Slip Trip Fall Hazards Open Hole fall hazard Stairs in Poor Condition Have you seen these types of hazards & just walked by Uneven terrain

8 Higher Risk Areas Due to the nature of day to day activities in these particular areas it s considered higher risk Dining hall / kitchens wet floor Locker rooms wet floor Loading docks elevated locations

9 Hazard Control Measures Safe Work Practices Avoid running or walking too fast, especially in higher risk areas Slow down, allow yourself enough time Avoid carrying items that will obstruct one s view of their walking pathway Avoid walking through potential slip, trip and fall hazards Wear proper work shoes Use extra caution when traveling both outdoors and indoors during wet weather Pay attention to your surroundings

10 More Hazards Measures to Reduce Your Chance for Injury Some reminders we can all use when practicing good housekeeping: Clean up spills immediately. For greasy liquids, use suitable cleaning agent. Report unsafe conditions, slippery floors or related hazards immediately so it can be addressed Keep hallways/aisles clear of obstructions Wear proper shoes (Ex., in kitchen areas wear slip resistant shoes)

11 Indoor Solutions Wet Floors Do not leave floors wet after cleaning clean them to a completely dry finish if possible. If "clean to dry" is not possible, then use barriers and "wet floor warning signs to keep people off the wet area. Clean work surfaces/floors according to recommended schedules. Use cleaning methods that do not spread the problem. Small spills are often better dealt with using a paper towel instead of a mop that wets a larger area of floor.

12 Indoor Solutions Trip On/Over Hazards Remove clutter multiple electrical cords, telephones cords, boxes Keep floors in halls and corridors free of objects or obstructions Make sure mats are secured to floor surfaces with tape or backing

13 Outdoor Solutions Make supervisor/site aware of area that has slip/trip hazard Wear shoes with good traction Walk on pathways avoid taking shortcuts Allow extra time to reach your destination

14 Footwear Factors to Consider The type of shoes you wear can significantly affect the likelihood of a slip or fall. Consider the following factors when selecting footwear for work related activities: Material of Shoes Pattern of Sole Environmental Factors Soles with good traction When wearing slip resistant shoes, look for shoes which have rubber sole material and a tread pattern which extends over the entire sole and heel area, and are flat. Work boots that are worn Slippery Shoe Soles

15 Questions? Need More Information? Visit our /144 Safety Office