Slips, Trips and Falls in Health Care

Account for over 200,000 on-the-job injuries in the U.S. each year. Slips, Trips and Falls Account for over 200,000 on-the-job injuries in the U.S. each year.

Are the 2nd most common cause of injury in health care. Slips, Trips and Falls Are the 2nd most common cause of injury in health care.

Account for 10% of all injuries to health care workers. Slips, Trips and Falls Account for 10% of all injuries to health care workers.

Major Causes Slippery, wet surfaces caused by water or other substances such as bodily fluids.

Major Causes Uneven surfaces -- sudden changes in floor or ground level, obstacles in walkways.

Employer Risk Controls Look for slipping and tripping hazards as part of regular inspections.

Employer Risk Controls Educate employees about importance of identifying and reporting slipping and tripping hazards.

Employer Risk Controls Practice good housekeeping -- ensuring floors are cleaned at appropriate intervals.

Employer Risk Controls Plan for seasonal weather. Make prior arrangements for salt, gravel and clearing of snow from outdoor walkways.

Employer Risk Controls Install suitable matting at entrances to help keep entrance doors dry.

Employer Risk Controls Install canopies over entrances to stop rain and snow from entering open doors.

Employer Risk Controls Keep walking surfaces in good condition.

Employer Risk Controls Clearly mark and light uneven surfaces such as curbs and stairs, and maintain proper lighting so obstructions can be seen.

Employer Risk Controls Ensure that floors and stairs have adequate slip resistance.

Worker Risk Controls Report slipping and tripping hazards, such as leaks or housekeeping issues.

Worker Risk Controls Clean as you go, keeping work area tidy and walkways free of slipping and tripping hazards.

Worker Risk Controls Follow manufacturer’s instructions for selection and use of floor cleaning products.

Worker Risk Controls Plan your route. Don’t rush. Walk appropriately for the situation, and pay attention to where you step.

Worker Risk Controls Don’t walk when your view is obstructed.

Worker Risk Controls For example, don’t carry an object so large that you can’t see where you are going.

Worker Risk Controls Be careful on stairs. Use handrails. Climb up and down slowly, and if you are carrying an object, ensure that you can see the stairs and that you have one hand free to grasp the railing.

Worker Risk Controls Wear appropriate, well-maintained, slip-resistant footwear.

Worker Risk Controls Turn on lights before entering a room or supply closet.

Risk Controls When Cleaning Floors Place “Wet Floor” signs to clearly identify areas where floor is wet. Limit access through these areas until the floors are dry. Use dry cleaning methods whenever possible.

Risk Controls When Cleaning Floors Always leave a dry path through the area being cleaned. For example, clean only half the width of a hallway at a time.

Risk Controls When Cleaning Floors Thoroughly rinse and dry wet floors as cleaning agents left on floors can make them slippery.

Risk Controls When Cleaning Floors Clean floors during quiet hours.

And finally … think before you act, look before you step, and take the time to be safe!

Sources: OSHA Work Safe BC