Slips, Trips, & Falls Supervisors Notes Walking is one of those things we are so accustomed to we take it for granted we will get from one place to another without incident. Unfortunately this isn t always the case. When we do take a sudden trip to the ground, we have no time to prepare a graceful landing. All at once we are down wondering what happened. After we get over the embarrassment of the whole ordeal, the pain sets in. Slips Slips are caused by the loss of friction. Most are caused by wet surfaces, or weather hazards like ice or snow. Slips are more likely to occur when you are in a hurry, wear the wrong kind of shoes, or don t pay attention to where you re walking. You can help avoid slips by following these safety precautions: Take short steps on slippery surfaces to keep your center of balance under you and point your feet slightly outward. Clean up or report spills right away. Even minor spills can be very dangerous. Warn others of wet floors and slippery surfaces by using signs or notices. Don t let grease, shavings, chips or other debris accumulate at your work place. Be extra cautious on smooth surfaces such as newly waxed floors. Also be careful walking on loose carpeting or throw rugs. 1
Trips Trips occur whenever your foot hits an object and you are moving with enough momentum to be thrown off balance. You can help avoid trips by: Making sure you cans see where you are walking. Don t carry loads you cannot see over. Keep areas for walking and working well lit & clear. Walkways should only be used for production when absolutely necessary. Keep the work place clean and tidy. Store materials and supplies in the appropriate storage areas. Arrange product, furniture or office equipment so that it doesn t interfere with walkways or pedestrian traffic in your area. Don t forget any cords! Don t walk by a problem thinking someone else will take care of it. Inform appropriate people of issues you can t take care of yourself. Falls The most painful of the three. To avoid falls consider the following measures: Don t jump off landing, loading docks or steps. Even if it cost a few minutes more, use the stairs. Always secure an empty loading dock with a chain or other appropriate guard. Don t substitute ladders & step- stools with chairs or other items not intended to elevate you. Always use three points of contact when climbing or descending. (2 hands & 1 foot, or 2 feet & 1 hand) If using a ladder, make sure it is in good condition and is the appropriate type. Follow the rules for the safe placement of ladders. Repair or replace stairs or handrails that are loose or broken. Keep passageways and aisles clear of clutter and well lit. Wear shoes with appropriate non-slip soles. 2
Slips, Trips & Falls Employee Handout Slips: Slips are caused by loss of friction. Take short steps on slippery surfaces to keep your center of balance under you and point your feet slightly outward. Clean up or report spills right away. Even minor spills can be very dangerous. Warn others of wet floors and slippery surfaces by using signs or notices. Don t let grease, shavings, chips or other debris accumulate at your work place. Be extra cautious on smooth surfaces such as newly waxed floors. Also be careful walking on loose carpeting or throw rugs. Trips: Making sure you cans see where you are walking. Don t carry loads you cannot see over. Keep areas for walking and working well lit. Keep the work place clean and tidy. Store materials and supplies in the appropriate storage areas. Arrange product, furniture or office equipment so that it doesn t interfere with walkways or pedestrian traffic in your area. Don t forget any cords! Don t walk by a problem thinking someone else will take care of it. Inform appropriate people of issues you can t take care of yourself. Falls: Don t jump off landings or loading docks. Even if it cost a few minutes more, use the stairs. Always secure an empty loading dock with a chain or other appropriate guard. Don t substitute ladders & step- stools with chairs or other items not intended to elevate you. Always use three points of contact when climbing or descending. (2 hands & 1 foot, or 2 feet & 1 hand) If using a ladder, make sure it is in good condition and is the appropriate type. Follow the rules for the safe placement of ladders. Repair or replace stairs or handrails that are loose or broken. Keep passageways and aisles clear of clutter and well lit. Wear shoes with appropriate non-slip soles. 3
Slips, Trips, Falls QUIZ Slips are caused by the loss of friction Chips & shavings on the floor don t cause slips Walkways are production areas While climbing I should use 4 points of contact Helping to keep walkways clear isn t my problem Employee Name 4