1. Scott Schwaller, Loss Control Specialist United Heartland
Slips and Fall Prevention: Controlling the Leading Source of Workers Compensation Claims
Scott Schwaller, Loss Control Specialist
United Heartland

2. Agenda Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls
Best practices to prevent slip and fall accidents.
Floor Maintenance
Housekeeping
Footwear selection & programs
Awareness
Walking on Snow & Ice

3. Slips, Trips, & Falls
Slip and fall accidents account for 47% of all IACP losses.
According to the U. S. Department of Labor, slips, trips, and falls make up the majority of general industry accidents.
15 percent of all accidental deaths (≈12,000/year), second leading cause behind motor vehicles
One of the most frequent types of reported injuries – about 25% of reported claims per fiscal year
Over 17% of all disabling work injuries are the result of falls

4. Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls
Uncovered & exposed electrical cords

5. Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls
Floor mats that have been kicked up

6. Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls
Spills

7. Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls
Floor covering transitions
Cracks & damage on sidewalks

8. Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls
Curbs
Vehicle curb stops
Wheel chair ramps

9. Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls
Snow & Ice build up

10. Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls
Footwear, footwear, footwear.
Wear sturdy shoes with slip-resistant soles and low heels; no leather soles, open toe, platform, high heels or flip flops.
Crocs

12. Preventing Slips, Trips, & Falls
Keep floors clean & dry
Avoid contaminated areas
Implement a footwear policy
Implement a slip-resistant shoe program
Keep walkways clear of objects
Lighting in work areas, hallways, and parking lots

13. Preventing Slips, Trips, & Falls
Secure loose cords, wires, and tubing
Eliminate outdoor surface irregularities
Eliminate indoor surface irregularities
Keep stairs clear and in good condition
Prepare for snow & ice
Slip, Trip, & Fall awareness campaign

14. Floor Maintenance Wet floor signs Mop ½ of a hallway
Scrubbers can contain water
Utilize dry mopping
Avoid waxing floors
De-grease and scrub kitchen floors
Add slip resistant coating

15. Floor Maintenance Entry Ways Use walk off mats
Slip resistant flooring with water drain off

16. Floor Maintenance Outdoor Surface Maintenance
Eliminate wheel stops if possible.
Paint all curbs, wheel stops, and changes in elevation with yellow paint
Patch, fill, or slope all surface irregularities such as cracks, holes, or changes in level in walkways greater that ½”

17. Floor Maintenance Indoor Surface Maintenance Condition of carpet
Condition of mats
Secure edges of mats
Condition of floor tile
Patch and fill cracks in walkways greater than ¼”
Highlight trip hazards

18. Housekeeping Housekeeping in everyone's responsibility
Your mom doesn’t work here so please clean up after yourself.
Foster a culture for good housekeeping

19. Footwear Selection & Programs
Establish a policy organization wide.
Slips & falls don’t just happen to direct care workers.
Commitment to safety comes from the top down!
Clearly identify expectations for appropriate footwear

20. Footwear Selection & Programs
Implement a slip resistant shoe program (voluntary or mandatory)
Some vendors have liability benefit programs
Slip Grips - (available through Lehigh)
Shoes for Crews -
SRMax -
StarGrip – (available through Red Wing – they do not have $5,000 indemnity benefit)

21. Which are Appropriate? Depends on where you are

22. Appropriate Footwear for Work
Slip resistant sole
Shoe covers (and protects foot
Provides good support
Does not contribute to falls
Comfortable

23. Awareness Campaigns Slip, Trip, & Fall bullet points Training
Post contact information for maintenance, and housekeeping departments
Penguin campaign

24. Snow & Ice Be prepared! Have a snow removal plan
Distribute winter weather notifications
Bins of sand & salt
Shovels at each entry way
Wear appropriate winter footwear

25. Snow & Ice Minimize how much you carry. Provide carts or rolling bags
Avoid areas with hanging icicles
Kick off snow and ice
3 points of contact
Walk like a penguin

26. Planning for Winter Fall Protection
Allow extra time
Consider your route
No shortcuts!
Use railings
Wear appropriate footwear

27. Extra Protection for Winter Walking
Footwear should have a good traction sole
Ankle length boots provide support
Traction devices (YakTraks™) work well and are removable

28. Ladders Training (proper usage & selection)
Supervision/observation/feedback
Inspection (rung and side rail conditions)
Belt-buckle rule
3-point of contact
4/1 ratio
Tie off
Proper height
Non-skid feet
Climbing cage/rest platforms
Ground person
Don’t carry materials up ladder
Capacity
Construction material

29. Resources National Floor Safety Institute http://www.nfsi.org/
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Slip Grips - (available through Lehigh)
Shoes for Crews -
SRMax -
StarGrip –