1. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Preventing slips, trips and falls

2. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Painful and costly Slips, trips and falls are the No. 1 workplace fatality Many don’t take danger seriously Accidents result in: –Lost work hours –Lost wages –Pain and suffering

3. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Defining slips, trips and falls Don’t always go hand-in-hand: Slips – loss of balance on wet, slick surface Trips – loss of balance caused by obstacle Falls – usual result of slipping or tripping – but not always

4. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Slip hazards Slip hazards don’t belong in workplace Most common slip hazards: –Spill (water, soapy residue, chemicals, etc.) –Oil or grease –Worn surfaces –Paper, debris

5. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Identifying spills Identify spill before acting –Make sure you know what it is If it’s a chemical spill: –Don’t try cleaning it –Mark the area –Warn people –Notify Facilities

6. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Handling a spill Don’t leave the scene Mark the area (chair, cones, etc.) Warn coworkers, others Use mop, towels to dry small spills Notify Facilities about bigger spills

7. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Walking on slick surfaces Walk slowly Take short strides Point feet outward Extend arms for support Check footwear

8. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Trip hazards Many trip hazards easy to spot: –Boxes in hallway –Open drawers –Litter –Tools left out Speak up when you see trip hazards

9. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Built-in trip hazards Steps: –Chips, cracks –Worn traction strips –Spills Ramps –Spills –Obstacles

10. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Work station hazards Check workstations for: –Carpet tears –Extension cords –Open drawers (desks, file cabinets)  Report problems to Facilities – there are easy fixes for many

11. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Footwear Tread protects against slips, trips Don’t wear ‘worn’ shoes Wearing right shoes? Clean off oil, grease, dirt Avoid high heels

12. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Other risk factors Lighting: –Easy to miss hazards –Slow down Carrying objects: –Don’t block sight –Make extra ‘trip’ Handrails: –Use them – every time

13. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Learning from near-misses Near-misses are valuable: –Was there a spill? –Something out of place? –Worn floor? Share info: –Tell your supervisor –Let Facilities know –Tell coworkers what happened

14. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Suspect a scam? We all pay for scams If you suspect a ‘staged’ fall: –Report it to supervisor –Or go to HR –Just speak up

15. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications The ‘4 Fs’ F – Fix F – Flag F – Forewarn F – Find It’s everybody’s responsibility