Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls Presented by: Mark Hargett
Objectives At the end of this workshop, you will be able to: Describe the true costs of slips, trips, and falls Identify elements of effective accident prevention program Identify common slip, trip, and fall hazards Create short and long-term solutions to existing hazards
Why Should You Care? Most frequent 15% #2
What are the Consequences? Employee tripped on a torn floor mat School custodian slips on newly waxed floor Temp agency employee falls off 8 step ladder Office employee fell off of a chair
Slips, Trips, and Falls in Colorado Pinnacol Claims 2010-2013 Number of Claims 35,298 Total STF Claims $435m Average STF Claim $12,319 Pinnacol Safety Services Claims Information, 2010-2013
After the Injury? Accident Investigation Injury Prevention Zero Injuries 6
Common Hazards Stairs Snow & Ice Poor Housekeeping Wrong Footwear Office Identify and Correct the Hazards Ladders
Job Hazard Analysis Sequence of steps Potential accidents/hazards Preventive measures
Hierarchy of Controls Use the hierarchy to determine the best solution to existing hazards. More Effective Less Effective Eliminate or Substitute Educate Inform PPE
Office Hazards Worn carpets Open drawers Cables and cords Creative step stools
Office Solutions Quick fix for carpets Keep drawers closed Reroute, organize cables and cords Use proper step stools and ladders
Housekeeping Hazards Lumpy, worn mats Clutter Post delivery pile up Water, food, spills on the floor
Housekeeping Solutions Maintain mats, new mat options Use the right step stool Proper storage Clean up and warn others about wet floors
Stair Hazards Poor lighting No handrails Worn, irregular Clutter on stairs
Stair Solutions Replace burnt out bulbs, keep stairs well lit Provide and use handrail Regular, even stairs No storage on stairs
What s wrong with this photo? (From www.worksafebc.com)
Snow and Ice Poor snow removal Short cuts Wrong footwear Melting snow leading to ice
Snow and Ice Solutions Walk like a penguin Snow removal plan Extra traction Three points of contact
Footwear Hazards Poor choice Worn shoe Poor choice Wrong shoe?
Footwear Solutions Footwear policy Slip resistant Extra traction Right choice
Ladder Hazards Wrong tool Creativity Improper use Poor condition, broken
Ladder Solutions Provide proper tools Easily available Proper use 4 to 1 Rule Remove from service
1. Select two specific slip, trip and fall hazards. 2. Come up with ways you can reduce or eliminate those hazards.
Quiz Time True or False: Most organizations don t have to worry about slips, trips and falls in office areas since they happen so infrequently. False
The best way to prevent housekeeping slips, trips and falls is: A Use signage to notify employees of hazards (example: wet floors) B Clean up spills immediately C Fix mats that do not lie flat D All of the above
Slips, trips and falls on stairs can be reduced by: A Eliminating one handrail so it s not in the way B Waiting to replace light bulbs until more than 50% of bulbs have failed C Ensuring steps are uniform and in excellent condition D Storing boxes on the right side of the stairs to allow people to safely pass by
The best way to prevent a wintertime slip, trip and fall accident is: A Conducting an accident investigation B Footwear polices C Winter traction devices D All of the above
True or False: As an employer, you do not have the right to require your employees to wear specific footwear during their work day. False
True or False: The 4 to 1 rule refers to the proper angle of set-up for extension ladders. For every one foot (1 ) up or vertical the ladder needs to be four foot (4 ) out from the wall, or horizontal. False
Putting a Prevention Program Together Job hazard analysis (JHA) Accident investigation Rules and policies Training Resources Follow up
Summary Many slips, trips, and falls can be avoided by following an effective Accident Prevention Program Proactively eliminate common and unique hazards Create a culture of safety
Where Would Your Employees Rather be Sitting?
Questions? Mark Hargett mark.hargett@pinnacol.com 303.361.4093