Slip, Trip, and Fall (STF) Prevention 1

Presentation Overview Alliance slip, trip, and fall loss cause statistics Alliance slip, trip, and fall loss by detailed cause National employee injury information Slip Trip Fall Recommended tools Safety tips 2

Alliance Claims by Loss Source from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2009 Alliance STF Loss Cause Statistics

Alliance Claims by Detailed Cause from June 1, 2005 through June 30, 2009 Alliance STF Loss by Detailed Cause

National Employee Injury Information There were 1,158,870 employee injuries requiring days spent away from work in Approximately 344,184, or 30%, of those injuries were due to slips, trips, or falls. Approximately 80% of employee injuries are attributable to unsafe acts, rather than unsafe conditions. Simply paying greater attention to where you’re walking, keeping your line of sight clear, and reducing distractions can greatly decrease the likelihood of a fall. Also, using the correct tool for the job at hand helps to reduce your exposure to injury. 5 5

Slip Definition: to slide suddenly or involuntarily; to lose one's foothold, as on a smooth surface Common causes of slip hazards are:  spilled food and/or drink,  freshly-mopped floors,  ice and/or snow, and  sand and/or fine gravel accumulations. When a slip hazard is identified, it is best to contact Maintenance or clean the spill yourself. If possible, do not leave the slip hazard unattended.

7 7 Slip Hazards A distracted employee walking across a freshly- mopped floor An accumulation of sand within the walkway

Trip Definition: a stumble; misstep Common causes of tripping hazards are:  misaligned sections of a walking surface,  flexible cord within the walkway,  items improperly stored within the walkway,  obstructed view,  improper footwear, and  bypassing designated walkways (taking shortcuts). When a trip hazard is identified, it is very important to notify Maintenance immediately. Some trip hazards (e.g., cords within walkways, poor housekeeping, and improper footwear) can be quickly and easily resolved. 8 8

9 9 Trip Hazards Employee with obstructed field of view Items improperly stored within the walkway (poor housekeeping)

Fall Definition:  to drop or descend under the force of gravity, as to a lower place through loss or lack of support;  to come or drop down suddenly to a lower position, esp. to leave a standing or erect position suddenly, whether voluntarily or not. Common fall hazards are:  standing on desks, chairs, and/or stools;  improper use of a stepstool and/or stepladder; and  unguarded, elevated walking surfaces. Injuries due to falls can be the result of an initial slip and/or trip. Injuries due to falls can be avoided through the proper use of available tools (e.g., stepstools and stepladders) and by avoiding the use of desks, chairs, or other unsuitable objects to reach higher areas. 10

11 Fall Hazards An employee is using an improper tool to reach a higher elevation. An employee is using an improper tool to reach a higher elevation. Also, this employee is wearing footwear that is not recommended.

12 Recommended Tools Stepstools Stepladder Flat-soled, closed-toed, and preferably slip-resistant footwear

Safety Tips Always look approximately six feet in front of you when walking. This will help you identify hazards. Avoid holding hands with students who may pull you down if they should fall. Use handrails wherever they are provided. Rotate your body 30° toward the handrail when descending stairs. This will increase your stability. Use extreme caution when participating in physical activities with students, such as PE class or “field day” events.