Slips Trips and Falls In Canada some sixty thousand workers get injured annually due to fall accidents. This number represents about fifteen percent of the "time-loss injuries" that were accepted by workers' compensation boards or commissions across Canada. In Canada some sixty thousand workers get injured annually due to fall accidents. This number represents about fifteen percent of the "time-loss injuries" that were accepted by workers' compensation boards or commissions across Canada.

How do falls happen? Statistics show that the 60 percent of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 40 percent are falls from a height.

Slips Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are: Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are:  wet or oily surfaces  occasional spills  weather hazards  loose, unanchored rugs or mats  flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have same degree of traction in all areas

Trips Trips happen when your foot collides with an object causing you to lose the balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are: Obstructed view Obstructed view Poor lighting Poor lighting Clutter in your way Clutter in your way Wrinkled carpeting Wrinkled carpeting Uncovered cables Uncovered cables Bottom drawers not being closed Bottom drawers not being closed Uneven walking surfaces such as steps, or thresholds Uneven walking surfaces such as steps, or thresholds

How do we prevent falls due to slips and trips? Housekeeping: Marking spills and wet areas. Marking spills and wet areas. Mopping or sweeping debris from floors. Mopping or sweeping debris from floors. Removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping them free of clutter. Removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping them free of clutter. Securing mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat. Securing mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat. Always closing file cabinet or storage drawers. Always closing file cabinet or storage drawers. Covering cables that cross walkways. Covering cables that cross walkways. Keeping working areas and walkways well lit. Keeping working areas and walkways well lit. Replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches. Replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches.

Flooring Changing or modifying walking surfaces is the next level of preventing slip and trips. Recoating or replacing floors, installing mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating and metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce risk of falling. However, it is critical to remember that high-tech flooring requires good housekeeping as much as any other flooring. In addition, resilient, non-slippery flooring prevents or reduces foot fatigue and contributes to slip prevention measures. Changing or modifying walking surfaces is the next level of preventing slip and trips. Recoating or replacing floors, installing mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating and metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce risk of falling. However, it is critical to remember that high-tech flooring requires good housekeeping as much as any other flooring. In addition, resilient, non-slippery flooring prevents or reduces foot fatigue and contributes to slip prevention measures.

Footwear  In workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall accidents should focus on selecting proper footwear. Since there is no footwear with anti-slip properties for every condition, consultation with manufacturers' is highly recommended.

O.H.S.A Regulation 851 of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements related to housekeeping and storage are designed to ensure the following: Regulation 851 of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements related to housekeeping and storage are designed to ensure the following:  That material and containers are stored in ways that prevent tipping and collapse.  Working surfaces are kept clean of tripping or slipping hazards.  Waste material, particular hazardous waste is safely stored and disposed of.  Hazardous equipment and material is safely stored.

Safety Slogan When you clean up hazards that could cause a slip, trip, or fall… You ``scrub`` out accidents.

Floor Sorting Can you identify the hazards? Trip, slip, or fall hazard Insufficient lighting

How do we prevent these hazards? Install and maintain proper lighting. Install and maintain proper lighting. Have designated areas for materials. Have designated areas for materials. Keep aisle ways and paths clear of objects. Keep aisle ways and paths clear of objects.

MRF Sort Line No signs stating ``Do not climb on conveyor.`` No guarding to prevent employee from climbing on, and possibly falling into conveyor. What`s wrong in this scene?

Treat conveyors with respect… It could save an arm or a neck. Conveyor survival guide:

Prevention Place signs and guarding on conveyor. Place signs and guarding on conveyor. Discuss hazards with employees, and retrain on identifying hazards if necessary. Discuss hazards with employees, and retrain on identifying hazards if necessary. Ensure employees have read and understand policies and procedures. Ensure employees have read and understand policies and procedures.

Truck Shop Compressed cylinder improperly stored. Exit blocked Poor housekeeping Spot the hazards

MRF Where a safety attitude is lacking… The odds against you are stacking!

Recap Most slips, trips, and falls occur on the level you are walking on… Most slips, trips, and falls occur on the level you are walking on… Be aware of your surroundings Be aware of your surroundings Practise good housekeeping. Practise good housekeeping. Follow safety guidelines. Follow safety guidelines. Safety is everyone`s responsibility!

Questions?