SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS: On The Job Safety Basics

INTRODUCTION - Falls are not always taken seriously . . . . - Can cause injury, lost time or even be fatal. - The cost of falls : * 10% of workplace deaths each year * 350,000 fall incidents in 1994 * 80,000 slip and trip incidents in 1993 * 8.5 work days lost per incident

PHYSICAL FORCES IN A FALL FRICTION: The resistence between things, such as between your shoes and the surface you walk on. Without it you are likely to slip & fall. MOMENTUM: Affected by the speed & size of moving object. The more you weigh, and the faster you are moving, the harder your fall would be. GRAVITY: Force that pulls you to the ground when you fall. If you lose your center of balance, you will fall and the force of gravity makes you hit the ground.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SLIP ? -They are a loss of balance from too little friction between you and the surface walked on. - Caused by a loss of traction: * Wet surfaces from spills, weather, etc. * Hurrying or running. * Wrong kind of footwear. * Inattention to where you are walking.

SLIP INJURY PREVENTION - Practice safe walking skills. - Clean up spills right away. - Don’t let grease or oil accumulate around machinery. - Be cautious on smooth surfaces.

WEARING THE RIGHT SHOES HELPS . . . - Neoprene works for most wet or dry surfaces. - Crepe soles are best for rough concrete, wet or dry, but not for tile, smooth concrete or wood surfaces. - Non slip shoes and soles are useful for ladders or scaffolds. - Oil resistant soles are needed for greasy environments. - Other things to consider: * Chemical protection * Weather conditions

PROPERLY CLEANED FLOORS HELP - OSHA requirements for clean and orderly workplace. - Many accidents happen because of improper cleaner use. - Use the right cleaner for the surface in the area. - Post warning signs or barricades in the area. - Install abrasive coating that increases traction in wet areas.

HOW TO AVOID TRIPPING INJURIES - Carry only loads you can see over. - Keep areas well lit, use flashlights where needed. - Keep areas clean and don’t clutter aisles or stairs. - Arrange furniture away from pedestrian areas. - Extension or power tool cords away from walkways. - Repair flooring, steps, carpeting, hand rails, pavement.

STAIRS CAN BE DANGEROUS . . . . High risk area for the average worker. Loss of traction is the primary cause of stairway slip and falling accidents. You can protect yourself by: - Use handrails whenever possible. - Don’t run or jump up and down stairs. - Don’t carry a load you can’t see over. - Report unsafe conditions immediately

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU FALL ? Falls occur when you lose your center of balance due to a slip, trip or other force acting on you. They can be avoided by: - Don’t jump from docks, trucks or work stages. - Hallways, stairs, and work areas should be properly lit. - Repair or replace loose or broken handrails. - Don’t store things in stairs or aisles. - Wear non skid shoes.

LADDER SAFETY Ladders are easy to use, but should not be taken for granted. Use these guidelines for ladder use: - Don’t build makeshift ladders out of chairs, benches, boxes. - Only one person at a time on a ladder. - Check ladder condition before using. - Don’t place ladder on boxes or blocks for height. - Don’t overreach from a ladder. - Use the “4 to 1” rule for distance of ladder from a wall. - Hoist tools & materials up to top of ladder. - Don’t stand on top of a step ladder.

SCAFFOLD SAFETY Scaffolds are elevated platforms built up from the ground , attached to ladders or suspended from above. A fall from a scaffold can result in serious injury or death. Follow these precautions to avoid accidents: - Make sure scaffold is sturdy, check daily for defects. - Clear work surfaces of snow, ice, debris. - Put sand on wet planking for traction. - Never overload with people, equipment or supplies. - Use fall and climbing protection equipment where needed. - Wear sturdy, non-skid footwear.

WORK AT WORKING SAFELY Preventing injuries is a task that depends on many factors and most importantly . . . . . you ! Take these precautions as you work: - Use belts, hard hats, safety shoes and hand rails for safety. - Watch wear you’re going and look for hazards in the way. - Move slowly on stairs, hallways, aisles and work areas. - Report hazards like poor lighting, spills & broken stairs. - Learn how to set up and use ladders and scaffolding safety.