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1 << INSERT COMPANY NAME >> SLIIP-TRIIP-FALL & STRAIIN IINJURY TRAIINIING << INSERT DATE>>

2 Fall Prevention Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents. They cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities. Active participation by management, supervisors and employees is necessary to prevent hazardous conditions that could result in slips, trips or falls. Responsibilities Management Supervisors Employees Conduct routine inspections to ensure all walking and working surfaces are free from slip, trip and fall hazards. Conduct training for employees who use ladders Conduct training in use and inspection of fall prevention Ensure proper ladders are used for specific tasks Adequate lighting in all areas Employees Maintain work areas free from slip, trip & fall hazards Correct or immediately report slip, trip and fall hazards Administrative Controls Training for all employees in Slip-Trip-Fall hazards and their prevention. Routine inspections of ladders, stairs, walking and working surfaces Following Housekeeping Program requirements Immediate cleanup of material spills General Rules: Simple Housekeeping methods can prevent slip-trip-fall hazards: All work areas, passageways, storerooms, and service rooms shall be kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition. The floor of every area shall be maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition. Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be maintained and gratings, mats, or raised platforms shall be provided. Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repair with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard. Portable Ladders: The chief hazard when using a ladder is falling. A poorly designed, maintained, or improperly used ladder may collapse under the load placed upon it and cause the employee to fall. Ladders shall be placed with a secure footing, or they shall be lashed, or held in position. Ladders used to gain access to a upper areas or other areas shall extend at least 3 feet above the point of support. The foot of a ladder shall, where possible, be used at such a pitch that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the length along the ladder between the foot and the support). See figure above. Always face the ladder when climbing up or down. The top of a regular stepladder shall not be used as a step. Use both hands when climbing and descending ladders.

3 LIFTING TECHNIQUES The Back 300 muscles - 33 vertebras - 30 discs between the vertebrae, and many ligaments. Low back pain can result from acquired conditions at birth, or from infections or tumors; however, the most common cause is sprains and strains. Some causes: Improper lifting of moderate to heavy objects Auto accidents Falling Sports activities LIFTING IMPROPERLY is the largest single cause of back pain and injury. TYPES OF BACK PROBLEMS Strains and sprains: Can often result from injury to muscles and ligaments that support the back. A torn ligament will result in severe back pain. Muscle trigger: In deep muscle tissue may become tender and result in back agony. Ruptured or slipped disc: It is not uncommon and occurs when the disk presses on a nerve. Chronic tension or stress: Can result in muscle spasms and aggravate persistent and painful backache. Other conditions: Such as pain "referred to the back" from other organs such as the kidneys and prostate can result in nagging back pain. WHY BACK PAINS HAPPENS: The major concern is improper lifting techniques, but a variety of other factors can contribute to this problem Smoking and Back Pain: (1) Tobacco contains nicotine which adversely affect the nutrition of intervertebral discs. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which causes the blood vessels to tighten up and decrease blood flow. (2) Smoking associated with coughing. Each time a person coughs; it greatly increases pressure on the intervertebral discs. POOR POSTURE: The wrong posture increases strain on the back muscles and may bend the spine into positions that will cause trouble. Good sitting posture should put your knees slightly higher than your hips. Your hips should be to the rear of the chair with your lower back not overly arched. Shoulders and upper back are not rounded. POOR PHYSICAL CONDITION: If you are overweight; developed a potbelly, extra strain on your spine results. Lack of exercise is a major factor. (An approximate estimate is that every pound up front puts ten pounds of strain on your back.) Stress may lead to back pain. Tied in with your general physical condition, stress created from work or play can cause muscle spasms that affect the spinal nerve network. The solution is a balanced life style, with time to relax and take things easy

4 Workers' Compensation In Texas, back injuries on the average account for 37% of workers' compensation claims. The average compensable claim - $18, up to $74,000 when indirect costs are considered. Some of the indirect costs are Lost Income to employees, Lost Productivity for the employer, and the PAIN, SUFFERING and Lengthy Disabilities that go along with these injuries. Safe Lifting Techniques * Stay in shape * Size up the Load * Ask for help if it s needed * Get a good grip * Keep the load close * Keep balanced with footwork * Never lift and twist * Let the leg muscles do the work * Push, not pull the object when possible Slips and Falls * Be on the lookout for unsafe conditions, which may lead to slip, and falls. * Watch out for foreign substances on the floor. * Clean footwear thoroughly when entering the building * Keep walkways and aisles clear of trash and potential hazards * Use the handrails on stairs or ramps * Ask for help when a load is heavy or bulky, or use the elevator, a dolly or cart. * Practice safe lifting techniques. Hurry Up Can Hurt * Use personal protective equipment when necessary. * Take the extra steps needed to do the job properly. * Always use the correct tool or piece of equipment for the job. * Keep your work area tidy. * Practice proper housekeeping. * Return equipment, equipment, tools, and utensils to their proper place. * Use proper lifting techniques * Be alert to ways in which the workplace can be safer PLANNING AHEAD Planning ahead makes sense. 1) If you know certain loads will have to be carried from storage, place the objects on racks, not on the floor, whenever possible. That way the load will not have to be lifted from the floor. Do not attempt to carry loads that are clearly too heavy for you. If the load can be split up into smaller ones, you are better off in doing that, even if loading takes a few extra minutes. 2) If you know that you may be walking on a potentially wet/slippery surface, seek an alternative route, take shorter steps, take your time. Make sure your footwear is proper for the surface you are walking on. REMEMBER: If your are working on something low, bend your knees. Keep you back as straight as possible. Bending from the waist can lead to back pain. If you have to work with your back, keep your knees bent and your back flat. Always have frequent rest breaks as necessary to keep from getting back fatigue. As you know, certain jobs require long hours of standing or sitting. These conditions can create back troubles. Get up and stretch frequently. If you are required to sit for long periods. If standing, ease the strain on your lower back by changing foot positions often, placing one foot on a rail or ledge. However, keep your weight evenly balanced when standing. Don't lean to one side.

5 Employee The most important concern for most employees is the concern for their own health and safety. EACH EMPLOYEE MUST BE INDIVIDUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR: *Knowing that he/she is personally responsible for keeping themselves, fellow personnel, vehicles, and equipment from mishap to the best of his/her ability. *Being constantly alert for any hazardous condition or practice. He/she should report unsafe conditions or practices to the supervisor immediately. *Acting as necessary to protect his/her own well being and that of other personnel. *Applying at all times the principles of accident prevention in daily work. Practical jokes and horseplay should not be permitted on the job, Workers should advise inexperienced workers of proper job rules and conduct. *Following prescribed procedures to the best of his/her abilities in any emergency. *Promptly report to the supervisor or medical office any injury, regardless of the severity. *Ensuring that, after receiving instructions, he/she understands them completely before starting to work. *Reviewing educational safety material posted on bulletin boards or distributed to each worker. *Knowing how and where medical and other emergency help can be obtained. *Abstaining from removing, damaging, destroying any warning or safety device, or interfering with another person's use of it. *Observing all posted warning signs. *If unsure about your job, task, duty, or responsibility, to stop, and seek guidance from your supervisor, prior to continuing or starting work. WORK AT WORKING SAFELY By using common sense, you can help keep your back out of trouble. Every time you think about lifting, think defensively about your back and the possibility of a back sprain. Follow good lifting techniques, not only at work, by also at home It s your back and your lift. With proper exercise, a good diet and the proper lifting techniques, your chances of being out of work with chronic or severe back pain are greatly reduced.

6 REMEMBER: 1) All work areas, passageways, storerooms, and service rooms shall be kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition. 2) Be on the lookout for unsafe conditions, which may lead to slip, and falls. 3) The floor of every area shall be maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition. 4) Watch out for foreign substances on the floor. 5) Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be maintained and gratings, mats, or raised platforms shall be provided. 6) Clean footwear thoroughly when entering the building 7) Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repair with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard. 8) Use the handrails on stairs or ramps 9) Get help to lift objects that are too heavy for you. 10) Plan ahead when lifting jobs are necessary. 11) Never twist or turn suddenly while carrying a heavy load. 12) Make sure your path is clear and be careful of your footing. 13) Lift with the knees, not your back. 14) Be aware of proper posture when sitting, standing or reclining. 15) Follow a sensible diet and exercise program to help your back