Safety Topic Walking vs. Tripping Quality Management Office Sept. 19, 2007

Walking vs. Tripping  Walking is a controlled fall.  Tripping is an action that causes the controlled fall to become uncontrolled.

The walk usually starts with the feet at the "extended position," where the feet are farthest apart and the character’s weight shifts to the forward foot. As the weight of the body is transferred to the forward foot, the forward knee bends to absorb the shock. This is called the "recoil position," and is the lowest point in the walk.

Halfway through the first step, the forward knee straightens out and lifts the body to it’s highest point. In this "passing position," the free foot passes the supporting leg. As the character moves forward, the weight- bearing foot lifts off the ground at the heel, transmitting the force to the ball of the foot. The body starts to fall forward. The free foot swings forward like a pendulum to meet the ground and catch the body’s weight.

The free leg makes contact with the ground, completing half the cycle. The second half is an exact mirror of the first. When the feet are fully extended, the hips rotate along the axis of the spine. To keep balance, the shoulders swing in the opposite direction. From the front, the spine looks relatively straight. But from the top, you can see the hips and shoulders twist in opposite directions

Tripping  Is the foot, which is moving forward, striking something.  The body will either be off balance causing a fall or a strain of muscles trying not to fall. Or  The catching leg will be delayed and will not “catch” the body causing a fall.

Tripping  A second type of tripping is a “step into” The catching foot steps into a hole or on an uneven surface throwing the body’s motion timing off causing a fall or Causing the foot to land off centered and twisting the ankle, then causing a fall

Slipping  Caused by a reduction of friction between the walking surface and the footwear.  Spills on the floor, ice, snow, sawdust, grease (common in kitchens)  Smooth bottom foot wear, high heels, pant legs too long.  Walking surface slippery, over-waxed, epoxy finish, tile floors.

What can you do to prevent Slipping and Tripping  In behavioral safety, the term “ eyes on path ” describes the behavior of watching where you ’ re going. Many times, uneven or slippery surfaces can be avoided by simply watching where you are walking. Sounds like a matter of common sense, but of course it ’ s not always done. We read papers as we walk down the hall, look at someone else, or simply don ’ t watch the path ahead or look down to see tripping hazards.

What can you do to prevent Slipping and Tripping  Housekeeping- Clean up spills in kitchen areas. Don’t leave boxes in hallways and walkways in offices. Power cords should be tapped or blocked. Adjust mats by doorways when they shift.

Preventing Tripping and Slipping  Don’t block the line of sight of the walking path Carrying boxes that restrict your view  Walking backwards Try to avoid walking backwards. If you must walk backwards inspect the entire route before you start. Check your progress frequently Use a spotter to guide you.

Preventing Tripping and Slipping  Clean up spills when they happen Identify slip hazards with warning signs.  Clear paths of snow Apply ice melt and give it a chance to work Walk like a penguin Don’t jump out or off vehicles  Wear the correct shoes. Open toes and high heels increase the risk falls.  If you notice that a floor is slippery let your supervisor and ES&H coordinator know about the condition.

Preventing Tripping and Slipping at Home  One of the biggest causes of trips and falls in the home, especially as we get older, is not turning on the lights when you get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Turn on the room light Use nightlights with enough illumination to see the floor. Don’t “sleepwalk” your way to the bathroom.