Slips, Trips, and Falls Revised 12/12/16

See something, say something, do something Slips, Trips, and Falls Target Audience All UAF employees Objectives Increase employee awareness to recognize slip, trip, and fall hazards at UAF Encourage employee participation in identifying, reporting, and preventing injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls See something, say something, do something

Slips, Trips, and Falls Learning Objectives General UAF slips, trips and falls Costs of slips, trips and falls Definitions Circumstances associated with slips, trips, falls Risk factors Types of injuries Prevention Reporting

Slips, Trips, and Falls - General Majority of general industry accidents are caused by slips, trips and falls Slips, trips and falls cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are the second leading cause behind motor vehicle accidents Slips, trips, and falls can occur anywhere in your work environment Can result in permanent disability and even death

Costs of Slips, Trips, and Falls To the employee Lost wages Pain and suffering, embarrassment Temporary or permanent disability Reduced quality of life Death To the employer Loss of productivity Costs for overtime or training for replacement worker Increased insurance premiums

UAF Slips, Trips, and Falls 32% of all injuries at UAF are slips, trips and falls Average annual costs due to workman’s comp claims at UAF: approximately $282,000 Average annual total employee days away from work: 135 days

UAF Slips, Trips, and Falls (cont.) In 2013, we had 65 reported slips, trips, and falls 47 outside, 12 inside, 6 were falls from equipment 28 of the 47 outside occurred during months when ice and snow are normally present In 2014, we had 40 reported slips, trips and falls 31 were outside, 9 inside 26 of the 31 outside occurred during months when ice and snow are normally present

Definitions Slip Lack of friction or traction between footwear and walking or working surface that results in loss of balance

Definitions (cont.) Trip Foot or lower leg hitting an object and the upper body continues to move forward resulting in loss of balance

Definitions (cont.) Fall A fall occurs when you loose your balance or bodily support Two types of Falls Fall at same level Fall to same walking or working surface, or Fall into or against objects above the same surface Fall to lower level Fall to level below walking or working surface

Slip Circumstances Wet areas on walking surfaces Dry products on walking surface Freshly waxed surfaces Icy walk ways Transitioning from one surface to another Sloped walking surfaces Mounting and dismounting vehicles and equipment Loose, irregular surfaces such as gravel Improper tread on footwear

Trip Circumstances Uneven surfaces Sidewalk/curb drops Wheelchair ramps and curbs Uncovered cables, wires or extension cords across aisles or walkways. Clutter or obstacles in aisles or walkways Open file cabinet or desk drawer Irregularities in walking surfaces Damaged steps on stairways Elevator not level

Fall Circumstances Slipping or tripping Not utilizing fall protection when necessary Improper use of ladders Inattention to surroundings Condition of ground surfaces - Icy, wet, uneven, cluttered with debris Improperly mounting/dismounting of equipment or vehicles Loss of balance Unprotected edges

Risk Factors – Environmental Conditions Icy Surfaces Snow Buildup on Stairs Poor Lighting

Risk Factors - Environmental Conditions Fog or misty conditions Poor Housekeeping

Risk Factors – Human Carrying objects that Obstruct your view Do not leave a free hand Lack of situational awareness Texting and walking or listening to music Talking on cell phones while walking In a hurry or taking shortcuts Failing eyesight or visual perception Age Physical/medical conditions

Risk Factors – Human (cont.) Lack of Fall Protection Equipment Improper Use of Ladders

Types of Slip, Trip & Fall Injuries Back and neck injuries Head injuries Muscle injuries Joint injuries Broken bones

Prevention: Identify the Hazards in the Photos

Prevention – Hazards Identified Snow on stairs creating an uneven surface Water on floor Cord in walkway Broom sticking out Stair tread pealed up

Prevention (cont.) Use the on-line Unsafe Condition Report to report damaged walking surfaces (stairs, sidewalks, etc.) Wear proper footwear with good traction Use hand rails when using stairways Complete required trainings Be aware of your surroundings Remove clutter from walkways Utilize fall protection Wear ice cleats

UAF Ice Cleat Program Ice cleats are provided free of charge to all employees and students who request them How to obtain ice cleats Pick up at EHSRM office 1855 Marika Road Bulk order 10 or more for your office using online order form (Sept. 1st – Nov. 15th) Remote locations can order directly using loss prevention funding. Contact EHSRM for additional details.

Reporting Reminders To report all accidents and injuries, use the online incident reporting link found on our website. Use the online unsafe condition report to report any workplace condition or damage that might create a slip, trip, fall hazard. To report icy conditions that need immediate attention, please contact Facility Services directly at 474-7000 or dispatch@fs.uaf.edu or snowremoval@fs.uaf.edu Remember if you report an unsafe condition you are automatically entered into a quarterly incentive award drawing!

Contact Information Main Line 474-5413 Ice Cleats Kim Knudsen 474-6164 klamb1@alaska.edu Occupational Safety Kim Knudsen 474-5476 klamb1@alaska.edu www.uaf.edu/safety/