Evaluating Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards Module 3 Evaluating Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards

Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to: Identify the three types of evaluation you can perform in your organization. Identify the factors that influence the slipperiness of floors. Identify the different floor types and their level of slip resistance.

Objectives—cont’d Understand how the coefficient of friction can be used to determine the slipperiness of a floor. Identify the lighting standards for both general and emergency illumination. Use the critical inventory method for evaluating slip, trip and fall hazards.

Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Recognize Evaluate

Evaluate Parts of an Organization This is an evaluation of a specific item or area in your organization. For example, you could assess the slipperiness of a floor, the safety of a ladder or the lighting in stairwell. Use established standards.

Evaluate an Existing Hazard This evaluation assesses the likelihood and extent of the harm a hazard might cause. For example, test a known hazard on floor, in a stairwell, etc. Use the critical inventory method.

Evaluate the Organization This is an evaluation of your entire organization to determine where hazards exist. For example, you could use Job Safety Analysis or Safety Inspection. Use a checklist.

Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls

Factors of Floor Slipperiness Floor material Floor finish Floor texture and pattern Floor slope Floor contaminants Floor condition Environmental conditions Footwear of person Footstep of person

What Makes a Floor Safe?

Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute The James Machine Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute

Horizontal Drag Meter Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute

BOT-3000 Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute

Portable Inclinable Articulated Strut Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute

Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute English XL Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute

©2006

Poor General Lighting A slip, trip or fall may occur if a walking surface is poorly lit and it causes a person not to see an obstacle.

Poor Emergency Lighting A slip, trip or fall may occur if an organization’s electricity fails in an emergency and employees can’t see their way out.

Foot Candle A foot candle represents the amount of light or brightness that a birthday cake candle generates from a distance of one foot.

Factor 1: Severity A measure of how dire or severe the consequences would be if the hazard caused an incident

Factor 2: Exposure The number of employees who are exposed to the hazard, and the number of times they are exposed

The likelihood that the hazard will result in an incident Factor 3: Probability The likelihood that the hazard will result in an incident

Severity? Exposure? Probability? Photo used with permission of Marsh USA, Inc.

Photo used with permission of Marsh USA, Inc. Case Study Photo used with permission of Marsh USA, Inc.

General Rule Slips and trips happen frequently, but tend not to be severe. Falls happen infrequently, but tend to be severe.

Overcoming the Barriers Action Plan Action Potential Barriers Overcoming the Barriers