1. Supervisor/People Leader Email Message
To: My Team
From :People leader/Supervisor
Subject: Slips, Trips and Falls
The ability to multi-task is usually a good characteristic. But multi-tasking while walking? From a safety standpoint, it’s a really bad idea.
That’s because slips, trips and falls are some of the leading causes of injuries at work and at home. In fact, Fall Hazards – falling from heights and from lower or same levels – are the top trending sentinel event occurrences. Sentinel events are defined as accidents or unsafe conditions that have the potential to be fatal. GM recorded 663 Fall Hazard sentinel events in Tragically, one of these events did result in a death last year.
At GM, Fall Hazards are present in all work environments. Last year we had more than 500 Fall Hazard sentinel events at our manufacturing sites. About 50 happened at our non-manufacturing or office sites, and more than 30 occurred at our Customer Care and Aftersales sites.
It’s not just a problem at work. Half of all accidental deaths in the home are caused by a fall, and most of those happen at ground level as a result of slips and trips — when we’re just walking. Risks are higher during wet weather when floors become slippery.
These injuries are caused by any number of hazards — from low and high elevations, stairs, to open pits, mezzanines, manholes and conveyors, to torn carpets, wet floors and boxes left in walkways. But they are also self-inflicted when we walk while distracted (texting or reading our phone!), forget to use handrails on the stairs, neglect to wear personal protection equipment (PPE) or conduct pre-task planning.
So, let’s focus on keeping safe from slips, trips and falls. Remember, our goal is “no injuries,” and we can achieve this if we focus on staying safe, one day and one task at a time. Start today with a commitment to not be injured.
And, please be alert. When you see people increasing their risks with distractions or unsafe practices, stop them. A helpful suggestion to a coworker or family member might prevent an injury or worse.