Slips, Trips & Falls

[Audio] Slips, Trips & Falls Identification & Prevention.

[Audio] Objectives Costs of slips, trips & falls (STFs) Definitions Causes of STFs Risk factors Prevention/minimization.

[Audio] Costs of STFs Slips, trips & falls can happen anywhere in your operation Slips & trips can result in falls, possibly disability or death Costs to employer & worker can be substantial.

[Audio] Frequency of STFs Slips, trips & falls make up majority of general industry accidents (USDoL) – 15% of all accidental deaths; 2nd leading cause behind motor vehicles ~12,000/year – One of most frequently-reported injuries ~25% of reported claims/year – Over 17% of all disabling occupational injuries result from falls Most could have been prevented.

[Audio] STF Injuries Sprains & strains Bruises & contusions Fractures Abrasions & lacerations.

[Audio] Typical Injury Sites Knee, ankle and/or foot Wrist &/or elbow Back &/or shoulder Hip Head.

[Audio] Definitions Slip – Too little friction or traction between feet (footware) & walking/working surface, resulting in loss of balance.

[Audio] Definitions Trip – Foot or lower leg hits object & upper body continues moving, resulting in loss of balance – Stepping down to lower surface & losing balance Potential Trip Hazards?.

[Audio] Definitions Fall – Occurs when too far off center of balance Two types – Fall at same level Fall to same walking or working surface, or fall into or against objects above same surface – Fall to lower level Fall to level below walking or working surface.

[Audio] Causes of Slips Wet product or spills on smooth floors or walking surfaces – Water – Mud – Grease – Oil – Food – Blood – Offal.

[Audio] Causes of Slips Dry product or spills making walking surface slippery – Dusts – Powders – Granules – Wood – Plastic wrapping.

[Audio] Causes of Slips Highly-polished floors can be slick even when dry – Concrete – Marble – Ceramic tile Freshly-waxed surfaces Transitioning from one surface to another – Carpeted to vinyl – Grid to smooth concrete.

[Audio] Causes of Slips Sloped walking surfaces Loose, unanchored rugs or mats Loose floorboards or shifting tiles Wet, muddy or greasy shoes Ramps & gang planks without skid- or slipresistant surfaces.

[Audio] Causes of Slips Metal surfaces – Dockboards & dock plates – Platforms – Sidewalk & road covers Mounting & dismounting vehicles & equipment Climbing ladders Loose, irregular surfaces such as gravel.

[Audio] Causes of Slips Sloped, uneven or muddy terrain Weather hazards Leaves, pine needles & other plant debris (wet or dry).

[Audio] Causes of Trips Uncovered hoses, cables, wires or extension cords across aisles or walkways Clutter, obstacles in aisles, walkway & work areas Open cabinet, file or desk drawers & doors.

[Audio] Causes of Trips Changes in elevation or levels – Unmarked steps or ramps Rumpled or rolled-up carpets/mats or carpets with curled edges Irregularities in walking surfaces – Thresholds or gaps Missing or uneven floor tiles & bricks.

[Audio] Causes of Trips Damaged steps Non-uniform, improper or irregular steps Tread – Taller of shorter – Shallower tread depth – Otherwise irregular Riser.

[Audio] Causes of Trips Debris, accumulated waste materials Trailing cables, pallets, tools in gangways Objects protruding from walking surface Uneven surfaces Sidewalk/curb drops Speed bumps Tire bumpers Wheelchair ramps & curbs Driveways.

[Audio] Environmental Conditions Increasing Risk of Trips & Slips Poor lighting Glare Shadows Bulky PPE (includes improper footware) Excess noise or temperature Fog or misty conditions Poor housekeeping Improper cleaning methods & products Inadequate or missing signage.