Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications The Most Deadly Hazard Slips-and-falls account for more workplace injuries and deaths annually than any other accident category Most of us don’t pay attention to slip, trip and fall hazards until it’s too late Slips-and-falls are preventable

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Dangerous Surfaces Wet and worn surfaces cause two out of every three falls Any floor can become a hazard if damaged or if something is spilled on it –Broken tiles, wrinkled or loose carpeting –Spills: oil, water, coffee, grease, cleaners Different surfaces have different traction

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Dangerous Surfaces To be safe –Keep walkways and working areas clean and dry. Watch for and clean up small spills immediately –Cross unavoidable surface hazards carefully –Always mark hazards –Walk and work only where designated –Look out for surface changes

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Obstructions Tripping hazards can take you down –Obstacles and obstructions include both permanent fixtures and objects just left lying around To be safe: –Keep floors, working places and passageways clear of obstructions –Don’t take shortcuts –Housekeeping! Housekeeping!

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Changes in Floor Height Hazards to look for: –Slopes, three or fewer steps, ramps, ledges To be safe –Pay close attention when moving from room to room / area to area –Look for color markings showing uneven areas

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Improper Footwear Your shoes could be a hazard –Even the safest non-slip surface can be compromised by worn or improper footwear To be safe: –Double check older, comfortable shoes –Keep shoes clean –Replace old footwear

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Additional Hazards Lighting: –Never enter a poorly lit area –Report poor lighting conditions immediately Behavior-based hazards –Inattentiveness –Carrying too much –Running and horseplay

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Falls from Above #1 cause of workplace deaths Every year, falls from: –Ladders kill 300 people and hurt 175,000 more –Stairways disable 33,000 people –Scaffolds kill 50 people and injure 4,500 more

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Preventing Falls From Ladders Always inspect first Use on firm, level surfaces only Protect from all traffic Keep your hands free Keep your body centered

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Preventing Falls From Ladders When using a stepladder: –Lock spreaders –Don’t stand above the second-to-top step When using an extension ladder: –Use the one-to-four rule –Allow proper overhang –Secure it at the top and bottom –Don’t stand above the third-to-top step

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Other Fall Hazards Stairways –A special danger –Inspect for damage –Always use handrails –Watch heavy or awkward loads Scaffolding and Platforms –Assemble properly –Keep planks level, clean and dry –Use fall protection where required –Use lifting devices to bring up supplies

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Other Fall Hazards Loading Dock –High risk of exposure to poor surface conditions –Never jump off a dock! –Keep dock doors closed Vehicles –Use caution stepping into or out of all vehicles –Don't jump from trucks or other equipment

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Fall Prevention Setting up barriers to help prevent falls Unprotected wall openings and floor holes –Guardrails –Hole Covers

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Fall Protection Designed to save you in the event of a fall 6 feet or more Nets –Proper inspection and placement Harnesses, Lifelines, Lanyards –Proper inspection and use

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications If You Spot a Hazard F – Fix F – Flag F – Forewarn F – Find Falls happen quickly